if your concerned about the water heater, just turn the control to 'pilot'.
this will prevent the gas heater from burning and you will not have to
relight the pilot light.

just don't forget to turn it back on when you finish.

"chemqueries" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello. My washing machine won't stop filling with water. The previous
residents of this house left the water faucets open all the time, and I
believe the valve may be broken (of course, there may be another
problem, but this is my first thought). I'd like to replace the valve
and see whether that helps. Before beginning this project, I will turn
off the water at the main shut off valve for the whole house. Please
tell me whether I need to turn off the water heater. It is a gas
powered water heater. I asked several people at the hardware store, and
they said that I do not need to turn off the water heater, but I'd like
to hear your thoughts. Also, if you have any other tips on this
project, please let me know. Thanks.