Yes, turning off your water heater saves money, but it depends entirely on the duration. Shutting it off for a few hours is self-defeating, but turning it off for vacations, during off-peak hours, or lowering the thermostat yields genuine savings.
Yes, turning off your water heater saves money, but the savings depend heavily on how long the unit remains off.
Shut Off The Water Heater
If you have a gas water heater, you can turn the heater off at the source and shut off the gas valve. If you have an electric heater, it can be turned off at the breaker. Once off, you can open the valve or spigot on the water heater to drain the water into a pail or bucket.
Yes, turning off your main water valve before going on vacation is a highly recommended best practice. It is a simple, 30-second step that protects your home against catastrophic damage from burst pipes, ruptured washing machine hoses, or leaking water heaters while you are away.
If you keep your water at a high temperature all the time, you will lose more heat to the environment even if the cylinder is well insulated. Your water heating costs will increase in direct proportion to the average temperature of the cylinder over the day. You will end up paying for more energy as a result.
Potential Risks of Leaving It On
Leaving your water heater on during a winter vacation can pose several risks, including leaks and unnecessary energy consumption. Water heaters, especially older models, can develop leaks over time, which may go unnoticed if you're away. This can lead to water damage and costly repairs.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 12 to 25 gallons of hot water, depending on your showerhead's flow rate and how hot you keep the water.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to turn off your hot water heater for a week. However, to prevent bacterial growth like Legionella and avoid damaging the system, do not drain the tank.
To keep your pipes from freezing, run a slow trickle of cold water. The temperature of the water itself isn't as important as the movement; running water inhibits ice crystal formation. You should start running your faucets at a steady drip when exterior temperatures drop to 𝟐𝟎∘𝐅 or below.
Shutting off the water supply does not immediately affect the water heater, but you must turn off the water heater's power source (breaker or gas valve). If the tank empties and continues to heat, the elements will burn out, potentially causing a fire or damaging the unit.
When preparing for a vacation, focus on four key areas: water, temperature, electronics, and small appliances. Shutting off the main water valve, adjusting your thermostat, and unplugging energy-sucking electronics will prevent costly disasters and reduce your energy bill while you are away.
No, you should not drain your water heater for a standard vacation. Draining and refilling the tank is a major hassle and carries risks—like accidentally dry-firing electric elements. Instead, for optimal safety and efficiency, leave the tank full and turn it to its "Vacation" setting (or 120∘𝐹).
To compensate for heat loss, you may need to slightly increase the water heater's thermostat setting during winter. The recommended temperature is between 120–140°F for most households.
If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it. You might need to turn on your heating earlier if your home takes longer to reach a comfortable temperature.
If left completely unused, a well-insulated, standard tank water heater will keep water hot for 12 to 24 hours after being turned off, and it will remain comfortably warm for up to 2 days.
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, insulate accessible hot water lines, and purchase an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher and clothes washer.
When a cold snap hovers around or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple days in a row it's time to let at least one faucet drip. Pay close attention to water pipes that are in attics, garages, basements or crawl spaces because temperatures in these unheated interior spaces usually mimic outdoor temperatures.
While we know that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, keep in mind that indoor pipes are somewhat protected from the extreme outdoor weather. Without a heat source, pipes may take as little as 3 hours to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
As temps drop, the risk of having frozen pipes in your home increases. Typical high-risk areas for freezing include pipes within exterior walls, as well as exposed pipes that run through unheated or uninsulated areas such as attics or basements.
How much you'll save: According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), reducing the temperature to 120°F can save 4%-22% annually on water heating costs. But you might be wondering—does turning off the water heater entirely save more money? Typically, no, not unless you'll be out of town for at least a few days.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 12 to 25 gallons (45 to 95 liters) of hot water. The exact amount depends on your showerhead's flow rate and the temperature you prefer (as hot water is mixed with cold):
Yes, you can absolutely take a shower, but the water temperature will depend on how recently the heater was turned off.
Toilet and faucet leaks
The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain.
The 4-minute shower rule is a sustainability and cost-saving initiative advising people to limit their daily showers to four minutes or less. This practice helps conserve water, reduce energy used for heating, and lower household utility bills by limiting consumption to approximately 36–40 liters (roughly 9.6–10.5 gallons) per shower.
A bath generally uses more water than a standard 10-minute shower. However, exact usage depends on your bathtub's size and the flow rate of your showerhead.