You generally do not need to drain your water heater for a standard vacation. Draining it frequently can expose the tank to air, which may accelerate corrosion, and it takes time to refill and reheat upon your return.
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.
"If you've never flushed your water heater, it's likely that minerals and sediment have built up inside the tank. Over time, that buildup reduces the efficiency of the water heater and shortens its lifespan," Shimek says.
If you have an electric water heater, it is recommended that you shut off the power and the cold water supply to the water heater if you are going away for any length of time. You will save electricity and limit any damage in case the tank leaks. Upon your return, do a visual inspection of the water heater.
Most water heaters have a setting on their temperature dial labeled “VACATION” or, if that setting is not available, choose “PILOT.” This drops your water heater's temperature and reduces your energy consumption. Change your setting if you'll be gone for three or more days.
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.
Most conventional, power-vented water heater models will have a setting called 'vacation mode'. Using this setting will allow you to have specific controls over how hot the water in your tank will get and when it will turn off and on.
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.
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.
Electric Water Heater
Next, inspect the thermostat. Many electric heaters have a small panel with dials hidden behind covers. Set the temperature to a safe level, usually around 120°F. Once that's done, head to your electrical panel and locate the breaker labeled “water heater.” Switch it to the ON position.
If you don’t drain your water heater, minerals and sediment will build up at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this causes higher energy bills, popping noises, and potential failure of heating elements. In the worst case, the buildup can cause the tank to corrode, leak, or fail entirely.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
Tank water heater flushing costs $110 to $200, while tankless models run $150 to $250 due to their more complex components. Your tank size and household hot-water use affect flush time, since larger tanks take longer to drain and refill.
Draining and flushing the water heater yearly or every six months is a necessary part of the appliance's maintenance. Failure to drain the tank can lead to a buildup of sediment, a lack of hot water, bad smells, strange sounds, or rust-colored water.
Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage new “residents” from moving in. Clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also, clean the oven. Inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter.
When water stops running, that's when problems can pop up. With no water in the tank, the unit could overheat. Electric water heaters, for example, have heating elements that can get damaged if they run without water.
The most frequently forgotten items when traveling are phone chargers, toothbrushes, and sunscreen. Because these are used daily right up until the moment of departure—often in the bathroom or on the nightstand—they are easily left behind.
1. Kitchen Countertop Appliances. Get into the habit of turning off kitchen countertop appliances, such as a toaster or electric kettle, before heading to bed.
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.
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):
Before draining a water heater, wait 30 to 120 minutes (or let it sit overnight) after turning off the power and gas. This allows the scalding hot water to cool, preventing burns.
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.
To turn your water heater to vacation mode before leaving, simply locate the thermostat dial on the tank and turn it to the "Vacation" or "VAC" setting. This drops the water temperature to roughly 50°F, saving energy while preventing the tank from freezing or growing bacteria.
You should drain and flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment, rust, and mineral buildup that reduces energy efficiency and can damage the tank. However, if you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to flush it every 6 months.