Yes, it is generally safe to turn off your water heater during vacation, provided you do it correctly based on your unit type. For most travelers, using a "Vacation Mode" setting is the safest and most convenient option.
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, 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.
Simply turn off the water supply to your home. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Just locate the main shutoff in your home. If you are having trouble finding it, you can ask a professional plumber to help you locate it.
Without water flowing through the system, the heater risks overheating, leading to repairs water issues, melted parts, or even damage to your tank. Whether you own a gas water heater, an electric water heater, or a tankless water heater, the risks are real.
For short trips (under a week), it's easiest to leave your water heater as-is. For longer vacations, set it to "Vacation Mode" to save energy while preventing freezing. If your unit doesn’t have this setting, turn it to the lowest setting or turn off the power/gas entirely to prevent leaks and save money.
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.
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.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
Remember to shut off the main water supply to your home any time you're planning to be away for more than 24 hours. Yes, that includes weekend breaks. It's the best way to avoid serious water damage in the event of a plumbing failure.
Yes, you can absolutely take a shower, but the water temperature will depend on how recently the heater was turned off.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. 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.
To safely turn off a water heater, you must kill the heat source first to prevent the tank from overheating or exploding.
Locate the water inlet valve.
Find the cold water inlet pipe leading into the top or side of the water heater. There will be a shut-off valve on this pipe, usually a handle or a lever. Turn it clockwise until fully closed.
Does keeping the heat on actually prevent pipes from freezing? We asked the experts to debunk the popular household myth. According to Stephen Hankinson, energy expert at Electric Radiators Direct, pipes can freeze during cold snaps, with the expanding ice forcing pressure to build and crack the pipe.
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.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Yes, a toilet and a sink can share a vent. In modern plumbing, this is most commonly done using a wet vent, where the sink’s drainpipe also acts as the vent for the toilet.
To protect your plumbing and the environment, you should never put fats, starches, harsh chemicals, or solid waste down your drains.
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.
If you leave for a vacation anywhere from 1 to 28 days you can set the water heater to vacation mode. The tank temperature will stay heated at around 65°F (18°C). Furthermore, you can also set the water heater to hold. It will indefinitely hold the temperature you set it at while you are away.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 20 to 25 gallons of hot water. Because showers are usually mixed with cold and hot water to reach a comfortable temperature, the actual volume of hot water drawn from your heater will usually be slightly less, while a low-flow showerhead can reduce this amount by up to 50%.
Turning the thermostat up can make the water hotter, which means you might mix in more cold water at the faucet to reach a comfortable temperature. This can slightly increase effective volume through mixing, but: It does NOT increase the actual amount of heated water stored.