I'm just guessing but are you asking about the valves on water heater?
3 valve system 'quarter turn' valves
only 1 or 2 valves.....point handle in direction you want water to flow
And then there are some valves that handle position will not matter cause valves are not 'quarter turn' valves but type of valve that is like a hose bib.....turn until fully OPEN (counter clockwise) or fully CLOSED (clockwise)
Drain water pump??
Just turn it on and run dry...they are designed to run dry without harm