Should I Drain Hot Water Heater When On Vacation? - ERNIEGRAVES

Should I Turn Off My Water Heater When I Go on Vacation?

Skip to the main content What should I do if I am going on vacation and forget to turn off my water heater? Preparation for any trip, whether it’s for two days or twelve, requires careful consideration of a number of factors. If you’re anything like the majority of us, you undoubtedly have a to-do list handy. It could resemble something like this in some ways: Prepare your belongings
Make arrangements for a pet sitter
adjust the thermostat
Don’t forget about Kevin
make sure you have your boarding cards with you.
Charger for a cell phone
Bring a book for when you’re out on the plains.
Turn off all of the lights in the room.
However, leave the porch light turned on.
Kevin must not be forgotten this time, promise me that!
Set the timer for the sprinklers
Bring an extra pair of underpants in case anything unexpected happens.
Inform your neighbors of your intended destination.
Place the washing in the hamper
Take everything out of the refrigerator
Shut off your computer and log out.
Set the alarm system to go off
Is it possible to turn off the water heater?

Is it necessary to put shutting off the water heater on your checklist?
We really receive a large number of inquiries from folks who want to know if they should switch off their water heater while on vacation.
Despite the fact that it makes sense to switch off all of your energy-consuming appliances while you’re away from home, there are some compelling arguments for leaving your water heater on while you’re away.
When it comes to the short and quick answer, no, you should not switch off your water heater while away from home.

Here are a few compelling arguments in support of this position.

Why It’s Better to Leave It On

It keeps the water from freezing.

If you live in a chilly environment, you must keep this first point in mind at all times.
Not only does your water heater provide you with hot water for showers and washing, but it also helps to keep your water from freezing inside of your pipes.
Have you ever had a problem with frozen pipes?
It’s not a nice sight.

Broken or burst pipes can result from frozen pipes causing fractures, leaks, or even total destruction.
Simply avoid it completely and leave your water heater turned on while on vacation.

Someone might need the hot water while you’re gone.

House sitting is recommended if you are going to be away for a prolonged amount of time from your home.
At the very least, having a youngster from the next-door neighbor come over to watch television for a few hours is preferable than having nothing.
The first thing a potential thief will do is glance around the house for signs of activity.
If they see lights on and hear commotion, they’ll go on to locate another place to steal.

Having said that, your house visitor may require the usage of hot water for a variety of reasons, including washing dishes or taking a shower.
You should keep the hot water heater turned on so that you do not have to provide your guests with instructions on how to use it.

If it ain’t broke, leave it alone.

Although your water heater may appear to be in perfect operating order, have you ever shut anything off only to discover that it will not switch back on?
You should be aware that this is something that might happen – and you don’t want it to happen to your water heater!
Rather than taking the chance that your water heater will not switch back on, simply keep it on while you are gone and pay the additional $5 you would have saved had you not done so.

It costs more money to reheat the water later.

Turning off your hot water heater will actually cost you more money than if you had just left it off on during your vacation period. To be sure, maintaining hot water costs money, but reheating cold (or freezing) water later on costs far more.

You don’t have to remind yourself to turn it back on.

We all construct checklists while ready to go on vacation, and we’re not alone in this…
Is it common practice to create a checklist while returning home?
For example, if you aren’t the kind to switch your water heater off and back on on a regular basis, it is probable that you will forget to turn it back on when you arrive home.
This means that you may have done two loads of laundry and a load of dishes, and it is only when you try to take a hot shower the next morning that you notice that your water heater has been turned off since you returned home.

Make a courtesy of yourself and just leave the item turned on.

Instead of Turning It Off, Try This

Was it apparent that you should not switch off your water heater while you go on vacation, or did we miss something?We’re praying for the best.However, if the cost of leaving your water heater on has you in a tizzy, you might want to consider the following.Simple as turning down the temperature on your water heater to the lowest level.

This not only prevents your water from freezing, but it also saves you money by eliminating the need to keep your water scorching hot (hint: you should be keeping your water heater at 120 degrees for normal household use).

Need More Water Heater Help?

Our crew provides prompt and dependable water heater servicing in Tracy, Lathrop, Manteca, Mountain House, and other nearby communities.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Page load link

10 Home Prep Tips Before Going on Vacation

When preparing for a long-term journey out of town, most of us concentrate on being ready for the time we’ll be away from our regular routine.It is, however, as necessary to prepare your house before you depart for your trip.Here are some things you can do to prepare your house before departing on vacation.1 Remove the water supply from the mains.

When a pipe bursts or other plumbing problem occurs in your house, turning off the main water supply to your home is your greatest line of defense against flooding.
It’s certain that a leaky supply line may occur while you’re away from home, according to Fred Spaulding, president of Quality Home Improvements, Inc.
in Kingwood, Texas.
Furthermore, if no one is there to deal with a significant leak, the results might be disastrous.
For example, in the Houston region, where he resides, hot-water tanks are installed in attics to avoid taking up valuable floor space in living rooms and kitchens.

″If that water tank starts leaking, you’d best find out about it right away,″ he advises.
″I’ve seen cabinetry in kitchens completely demolished.
It just takes a small amount of water to cause a leak.″ Closing the valve on the main supply line shuts off the water to the house, but the outside sprinklers continue to operate as normal.

The line will be under some initial pressure if there is a leak within, but it will not continue to shoot water if there is no breach inside.The leak from the hot-water tank might be as small as 50 gallons, rather than hundreds of thousands of liters, according to Spaulding.″There are no negative consequences to shutting off the water.It just takes a few minutes, but it has the potential to save thousands of dollars in water damage.″ Instead of shutting down the entire home, close the hot and cold water valves on the washing machine’s hoses if you don’t want to cut off the water entirely.If the hoses burst while you’re away, you won’t have to worry about flooding.Replace regular rubber washing-machine hoses with stainless-steel mesh hoses; they’re significantly stronger and less prone to rupture than rubber hoses of the same diameter.

2 Check the sump pump’s operation.Meanwhile, rainfall may produce problems of its own when you’re away from the house.You might return to a flooded basement or crawlspace if your sump pump malfunctions during a heavy storm.In order to ensure that the sump pump is operational before you leave town, fill the sump pit with water and pour it into the pit.

If the pump does not activate, a plumber should be contacted.Installing a sump pump with a battery backup will add an additional layer of safety to your home.In this manner, even if the storm also knocks out the electricity, the sump pump will continue to function.3 Increase the temperature on the thermostat, but do not turn off the air conditioning unit.

If you have a programmable thermostat, you’re in good shape, according to Spaulding.
When you’re away from home in the summer, you may set and maintain a temperature of 85 degrees, and the thermostat will drop the temperature to 72 degrees the day before you return, according to the technician.
When using a manual thermostat, it is still worthwhile to raise the temperature while you are away to prevent wasting electricity.
Just be prepared to walk into a scorching house when you return.

Keep in mind that you should not entirely turn off the air conditioner or furnace while on vacation.As Spaulding explains, ″you want to keep the air moving so that it doesn’t have time to condense.″ Furthermore, it prevents the house from becoming an oven, which can have negative consequences for wood doors, cabinets, and flooring.Tom O’Grady, president of O’Grady Builders in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, believes that ″there can be enormous heat accumulation, which may have an impact on surfaces like wood floors.″ ″You can have tremendous heat buildup, which can have an effect on surfaces like wood floors,″ he adds.Because wood expands when it is heated, excessive heat may cause the flooring to expand and buckle, as well as the doors to fail to close correctly on the floor.The same is true for winter tourists, albeit in the other direction.You should lower the thermostat while you’re away from home, but you should not turn off the furnace altogether, since this might put your pipes at risk of freezing.

4 Using a Soaker Hose, you can keep flowers alive.
Keep your flowerbeds and vegetable gardens watered while you’re away for more than a few days, especially if you’re going away during the summer and don’t have an in-ground sprinkler system in place.
You may program the hoses to turn on and off at predetermined intervals throughout the day, preferably twice a day: in the early morning and in the late afternoon.
5 Lighted Rooms with Timers (with Pictures) Install timerson lighting in various parts of your home while you’re away to give the impression that your home is occupied and hence a less enticing target for burglars.
The timers operate in the same way as if someone in the house were flipping a switch, turning on and off the lights at various intervals during the night.

Timers are available for purchase at home centers for less than $10 per unit of time.Smart timers and WiFi bulb sockets are also available for purchase for a few extra dollars, allowing you to control lights from anywhere in the world using your smartphone.Advice from the experts: Another option to give your house a lived-in appearance is to encourage a neighbor to park their cars in your driveway while you’re away from home.6 Set the temperature of your water heater.

Although it is not suggested to turn off a water heater altogether, you may save a substantial amount of energy—and money—while on vacation by setting the water heater to vacation mode instead of the regular setting.It is sufficient to reduce the temperature by a few degrees if your heater does not have a vacation mode in order to avoid it from turning on and off so frequently.7 Antifreeze should be added to toilets.

If you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time during the winter, flush all of the toilets in your home to clear the water from the tanks.It will prevent the water in the tanks from freezing and expanding, which might otherwise shatter the porcelain if your furnace fails.The water in the toilet bowl will remain even if you turn off the water supply to the toilet and then flush it.What is the solution?Antifreeze for the sea.According to Spaulding, a small amount of antifreeze should be poured into the toilet to prevent it from freezing.

Once you’ve returned home, flush the toilet to get rid of the leftovers.Use only marine antifreeze, which is non-toxic, to provide a safe environment.8 Call the Fire Department or the Police Department.If your house is outfitted with a monitored alarm system, be sure to notify the provider in advance that you will be away from home.

Also, make sure that they have not just your mobile phone number, but also the phone number of a trustworthy neighbor in case the company is unable to contact you for any reason.9 Disconnect all electronic devices.In case a power surge occurs while you are away and any of your televisions, laptops, sound systems, or other electrical devices are not protected by surge protectors, unplug them immediately before leaving the house.To turn off the devices that are hooked into surge protectors, just flick the switch on the surge protectors.Additionally, unplugging electronic devices and turning off surge protectors might help you save money.

When O’Grady claims that all of the electronics are not in use, she is referring to the fact that they are still consuming power.
And the vampire voltage accumulates over time.
According to the Department of Energy, the average U.S.
family pays $100 per year to power gadgets that are switched off or in standby mode, according to their estimates.
10 Put an end to the mail In the event that you’ll be away for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to suspend mail delivery until you return.
You may get an Authorization to Hold Mail form by visiting your local post office.

It is possible for the postal service to retain your mail for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 30 days.Additionally, you have the option of having all of your accumulated mail delivered to your mailbox on the day you return, or they may keep it for you to pick up at the post office when you return.This service is provided at no cost to the user.Also, make sure that the newspaper delivery is stopped.

When there’s a stack of newspapers on your front yard, nothing shouts, ″No one’s home, come grab our things,″ like nothing else.The author, Joseph Truini, is a former carpenter and cabinetmaker who now focuses his writing on topics such as remodeling, woodworking, and tool methods.This material was generated and maintained by a third party and imported onto this website in order to assist users in providing their email addresses for further consideration.You may be able to discover further information on this and other related items at the website piano.io.

Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater When on Vacation?

Previous Post Next Post If you’re planning a trip in the near future, you might be wondering what precautions you should take to conserve energy while your home is unoccupied.Here are some suggestions.For example, most homeowners adjust the temperature of their HVAC systems to a lower or higher setting depending on the season, or they turn them off completely before leaving the house.Appliances can be unplugged and lights may be turned off while on vacation, but should you turn off your water heater while away from home?

Turning Off Your Water Heater Does Not Provide Significant Energy Savings

Turning off your water heater for a typical week-long trip will not result in any major energy savings, according to the EPA. As a matter of fact, depending on the type and model of your unit, you’re likely to experience savings of only a few cents each day at most. Turning off your water heater isn’t required unless you’re planning to be away from home for a month or more.

Shutting Off Your Water Heater Can Cause Problems

If you leave your water heater turned off while on vacation, you may find yourself with water heater troubles when you return.The most obvious problem is that you won’t have access to hot water during your stay.For those post-travel showers, it might take up to an hour for any hot water to become accessible, and that’s only if you’re able to turn your water heater back on again.Depending on how old your unit is, you may have some trouble turning it back on after it has been turned off for a period of many days.

The stress of having to restart the system of an older unit might result in water heater repairs or even a complete replacement of the device.

Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater When Not in Use?

As an alternative to shutting off your water heater before you leave, set it to ″vacation″ mode before you go.If your unit does not have a vacation setting, you can manually adjust the temperature to anywhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.You may still save a few dollars while guaranteeing that your water heater is still operational when you return from your vacation, despite the fact that the energy savings will be minor.If you are going on a lengthy vacation and will be emptying and turning off your water heater before you go, be sure to read the instructions that came with your water heater before you depart.

When you switch your unit back on, make sure to follow the directions exactly as written to avoid any problems.
In the event that you are experiencing difficulty turning on your water heater, contact your local Aire Serv at (855) 259 – 2280.
Best of luck on your journey!
Looking for the pressure release valve for your water heater?
Mr.

Rooter will take care of you.
Take a look at this blog post to find out where it is and how to test it: Is it possible to get to the pressure relief valve on a hot water heater?
The link will open in a new tab.

The Mr.RooterLink opens in a new tab brand, like Aire Serv, is a member of the NeighborlyLink opens in a new tab community of home service brands, which includes Aire Serv and Mr.RooterLink opens in a new tab.Previous Previous post: Previous post: Next post:

Can You Leave Water Heater on With Water Off?

The question of when we should switch off the water heater is one that many of us have.It’s similar to when we turn off all of the lights in the house when we aren’t using them.Different people have differing points of view on the same subject matter.As a result, we sought the opinions of several local plumbers, who, let’s face it, have more expertise than the average person in this field.

The question that numerous plumbers were asked was: Should I leave my water heater turned on even when the water is turned off?
Yes, if the water is turned off, that implies there is no water flowing through the system, and a tankless heater will not operate..
While a tank-style heater will keep the tank’s temperature at its current heat level, it may be turned down for vacations.
Water leaks would be the only time it would be necessary to turn off the water and switch off the heater for safety.
As a result, let us investigate the explanation behind their general response…

When You Should Turn Off the Water?

Many various conditions might arise and lead to the need to turn off your water heater. Here are a few examples:

When the Water Heater Leaks

To prevent leaks from occurring in this situation, it is recommended that you switch off the water supply to the heater using the valve on the heater itself. Alternatively, if the valve is damaged, shut off the water supply. The following are some of the possible causes: when there is too much pressure as a consequence of extremely high temperatures or pressures of the outer water entering the tank
when you have a damaged tank
when you have poor drainage
when you have a clogged filter.
Life expectancy of the water heater at its ″end-of-life″
When there is a scarcity of water

Check to see that the heater has been turned off if there has been a leak for more than 24 hours.Electric tank water heaters are comprised of two elements: the top and the bottom of the tank.Water draining down indicates that the top element is exposed, resulting in the element being excessively hot.When this occurs, the element shorts out, leaving it inoperable, resulting in money that would have been saved being spent on a plumber instead.

When Turning Off the Water Heater Doesn’t Matter

During a Vacation

The latest generation of water heaters offers the option of lowering the thermostat or switching to vacation mode as necessary.Choose one of the two modes and you will reduce the amount of power that will be utilized while you are away from home.In contrast to normal settings, when the temperature ranges between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, these alternatives drop the temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.As a result, when you return, no further power will be consumed in the process of heating the water, which will take between 20 and 40 minutes, and maybe up to an hour, depending on the heater you have installed.

Personally, I just turn the heat down a notch to 80 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This way, I can at the very least take a shower when I get home, and then I can turn the heat up to the appropriate level.
I only notice this when I’ve been gone for more than a week (mainly because I forget to switch it back on before getting into the shower).
You may also insulate your hot water heater tank, which can result in yearly savings ranging from 7 percent to 16 percent.
By insulating the tanks, the quantity of heat lost to the atmosphere is significantly reduced, resulting in significant cost savings.

You may find the one we recommend on Amazon by clicking on the link provided.

During Normal Operations When the Tank Is Full

Except for the reasons listed above, there is no reason to switch off the heating while you are in and out of the house every other day. The temperature of the water within the tank will not decrease so quickly, especially if the tank is well-insulated.

Expert Advice

Unlike what many people believe, turning off the water heater does not have a significant impact on the environment. This is due to the fact that:

The amount saved when turning off/on the water heater is insignificant.

Depending on the model that you choose, you will only save a few cents in a single day. The truth of the matter is that you are responsible for heating the water heater, which is why you are responsible for paying the bill.

You create more problems by turning off the water heater between uses and back on within short periods of time.

Additionally, when you switch off your water heater while on vacation, you will just encounter more issues. The unavoidable problem will be that your water heater will take an inordinate amount of time to heat the tank water back up. Some units will be difficult to re-start, and for gas-powered water heaters, igniting a pilot light comes to mind as a possible solution to this problem.

Install Timers.

It is possible to use timers to automatically turn on and off the water heater based on the situation at hand.The usage of timers allows you to switch off your electric heater for extended periods of time, such as the night or while the house is empty.Unless you have special prices available at specific times of the day or unless there is excessive demand at specific times of the day, this will not help you save any money.With the timer, you can ensure that you are not using electricity during peak demand periods and that you are using electricity during low-cost kilowatt hours.

Drain Your Tank.

By opening the valve located at the bottom of the tank, this may be achieved. When you empty the tank, you are removing any residue or sludge that has accumulated in the tank’s bottom section. It reduces the amount of time it takes for gas heaters to heat the water. When used with electric tank heaters, it increases the volume of water available, allowing for more hot water to be used.

Final Thoughts

Everybody has an opinion on what they believe should be done in any given situation, regardless of the circumstances. At the end of the day, you are responsible for deciding whether or not to switch on or off the water heater and when to do so. Choose the one that provides you with the greatest level of comfort; it is your peace of mind that is at stake.

To Drain or Not to Drain-Your Hot Water Heater

We are officially in the midst of spring cleaning, as Phoenix residents prepare to spend the summer months hunkered down in our air-conditioned homes.″Do I really need to dump my hot water heater tank every year?″ is a topic we are asked rather frequently.(The use of a whiny voice is entirely optional.) In all seriousness, it is dependent.Each hot water tank is unique, dependent on a variety of circumstances that include not just where you reside in the Valley, but also whether or not your tank is equipped with a hydro-jet to decrease silt accumulation.

On its trip to your house, drinking water passes through a number of different filters and screens.
The availability and quality of these services are highly dependent on where you reside.
In addition, there will be a break or your local location may ‘flush out’ their lines, which implies it will come your way at some point in the future.
Conclusion: You will not know how often to drain your hot water tank unless you actually do it in order to determine how much sediment has accumulated in the meantime.
In other tanks, it’s practically non-existent.

In the same period of time, other tanks can build several inches of silt, which is sufficient to clog the spigot.
Unless you happen to be in an area of the Valley where there is a break in the water line or they clean the water line-in which case, the tank might suddenly have a huge quantity of silt appear-you’ll have a very good idea how fast the sediment gathers once you drain it the first time.
Some hot water heater manufacturers advocate removing just approximately a gallon of water once a month, while others recommend draining it more frequently.

Some people do not drain their hot water heater tank on a regular basis.What exactly happens?It’s possible that silt has accumulated at the bottom of their tank.It might be a small amount or a large amount.The silt interferes with the tank’s capacity to heat the water, causing it to work harder to heat the water as a result.The following is a broad outline of how to go about it.

Specifics can be found in your hot water heater’s owner’s manual:

Get yourself a hose. It is preferable to have one with a rubber gasket in it, since this will aid to prevent leakage at the hose connection.
The electricity to the hot water heater should be turned off. The fact that you must turn off your hot water heater is not optional since you risk destroying your hot water heater.
The water supply to the hot water heater should be turned off. Otherwise, it will have to be refilled on a regular basis as it drains.
Allow time for the tank to cool. Your tank’s size, insulation level, and water temperature when you first started all influence how long it will take to complete this process. Some people simply need to wait a few hours while others require many days. Others will have to wait until the next day.
Connect the hose to the drain valve, which is a spigot located at the bottom of the hot water tank, and run the other end to a location where it is appropriate to allow the water to flow out of the tank. You would be better off not emptying the water into your garden or any other area where you could have plant material that is sensitive to calcium because the water will contain sediment.
Start by turning on a hot water tap anywhere in your residence. It will serve as a relief valve, allowing the water to flow more quickly from the drain spigot
and
Open the drain spigot by turning it on. Allow it to run until the tank is completely depleted. It’s important to note that the hot water tank manufacturers, who are far more concerned with sales than with proper hot water heater maintenance, built the majority of these spigots to be angled and poorly constructed to remove the silt.
Turn on the water supply to the tank while the drain spigot is still open to flush out any residual sediment from the tank. It is OK to close the valve to enable for the tank to heat up once all water has been removed from its end of the line.
Close the hot water faucet (the one you used to get hot water in your home)
After filling the tank to capacity, re-energize the water heater

This easy procedure can extend the life of your hot water heater by several years.If you find a leak or any other sort of problem while draining your hot water heater, please let us know.Alternatively, if you’d like a professional to drain the tank for you, please contact us.We’ll be pleased to set a time to meet with you.

If you enjoyed this content, please click on the three-dot button below!

Should You Put Your Water Heater In Vacation Mode?

If you expect to be away from your home for a few days or longer, you might want to consider turning your water heater into vacation mode. The ability to switch into holiday mode might be useful whether you’re traveling on a short work trip or a prolonged vacation.

Reduce your energy expenses
save your energy resources (fuel)
and
Prevent frozen pipes and burst pipes from occurring.
Increase the longevity of your water heater

What is Water Heater Vacation Mode?

The vacation mode option on your water heater enables you to quickly and simply adjust the temperature of the water coming out of it.When you leave home for an extended amount of time during the winter, when additional difficulties might arise, this can be very beneficial.The pilot light remains on, but it is no longer capable of heating the water to its maximum temperature.Consider the following scenario: you wish to travel for a week during the winter months.

If you don’t utilize your vacation mode, your water heater will continue to consume the same amount of energy resources to heat your water as it did before you turned it on.
It goes without saying that this increases your heating expense needlessly, which is not good for either your money or the environment.

Pros & Cons of Your Water Heater in Vacation Mode

There’s no denying that switching your water to vacation mode might be beneficial. However, there are certain disadvantages that you should be aware of. Let’s take them one by one.

Pros

Utilizing the water heater’s vacation mode option is simple and straightforward.
It is an ecologically responsible option that reduces the amount of gasoline and energy wasted.
The cost of maintaining water in your tank at full temperature while no one is home to use it will be modest (depending on how long you are gone), and you will not be responsible for it.
It can extend the life of your water heater by reducing the amount of energy it must expend to heat water to a temperature that is not required

Cons

During vacation mode, the water temperature in your hot water heater drops to a lukewarm level, making it less effective. This has the potential to generate an environment conducive to the growth of germs. When you return, you may notice a strange odor in your water until the bacteria is eliminated by restoring the heat to its regular temperature or by applying bleach
however, this is temporary.
A water heater may not be available if you live in a multi-unit housing complex where the water supply is shared by all of the residents. The simplest solution in this situation is to turn off the water shut-off valves that are positioned near every fixture (such as beneath your toilet, under your kitchen faucet, and so on)

A Sure-Fire Alternative to Vacation Mode

Let’s suppose the disadvantages exceed the advantages. Here’s a terrific alternative: simply turn off the water supply to your house from outside. This will eliminate the following two potential issues: a)

The buildup of water pressure (especially from freezing water). Eventually, the frozen water expands to the point where the pipe breaks open completely. After that, all of the water drains away
undiscovered water leaks that build and cause harm while you’re away While a leak that occurs while you are at home may go undetected for a day or two, a leak that occurs when no one is home might do significant damage since no one is around to stop it. The amount of time that elapses between the time a leak starts and the time it is detected has a direct influence on the severity (and expense) of water damage.

It is common for the main water line shutdown valve to be positioned inside your home.As a result, it will most likely be on a wall that is nearest to the street, as this is where your water supply is connected.First, look for cracks in a lower wall, such as one in your basement, behind a water heater, or in the laundry room.If you have a whole-house water softener, it may also be in close proximity to that unit.

In places where the temperature is consistently high, the main water shutdown valve will be located near an exterior wall.

What Else Can You Do?

Although the purpose of taking a vacation is to get away from everyday life for a bit, if you do not take certain precautions ahead of time, you may be in for a rude surprise when you return. Other than shutting down a mainline (such as the main sewer line) or placing your water heater on vacation mode, there are several steps you may take to avoid flooding: Adjust your thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the colder months of the year. Keep in mind that the areas between pipes are significantly colder than the temperature you have set on your thermostat. If you drop the temperature below 65 degrees, you run the danger of your pipes freezing and exploding.
Before leaving, check for any leaks that may have occurred.
Ask a neighbor or a relative you trust to check on your house every few days (they can also take care of your mail and place it inside your home)
If you don’t already have one, you should think about getting one to protect your home. Ensure that all batteries are fully charged and the gadget is set to ″away mode″ before leaving the house. For additional information on this option, speak with your plumber.
Pour a pail of water into the sump pit to ensure that your sump pump is operational before you leave town. If the pump does not activate, a plumber should be contacted. If you want to know if your sump pump is functioning properly, check out this post.

Final Thoughts

Putting your water heater into vacation mode is a simple, yet sometimes overlooked, step in safeguarding your house from potential disaster. Even a little leak, if left unchecked for several days, can cause significant water damage to the home. The amount of time that elapses between the time that a leak starts and the time that it is detected has a direct influence on the severity and cost of any following water damage. However, it is not required. Consider the advantages and disadvantages listed above and decide for yourself if it is preferable to just cut off the main water line supply valve. Remember to turn on the water when you arrive home, since this may be a more appropriate remedy for your particular scenario. What can I do to keep my home’s plumbing system safe?
A straightforward explanation of the components of a water heater
How to relight the pilot light on your water heater (this applies to every major brand! )
How to repair a thermocouple (on your water heater) and why you should do so
A tutorial on troubleshooting gas water heaters is provided.
Changing the thermostat on a water heater
Instructions on how to replace the heating element in an electric water heater
Maintenance and troubleshooting for your water heater
How to inspect and test the T&P valve on your water heater
Drain valve replacement for a water heater.
When the water is rusty or stinky, how to change the anode rod.
What is the average lifespan of a water heater? Water heater repairs

Call 1-Tom-Plumber for More Help

If you need assistance with your water heater, please do not hesitate to contact us here or call 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) for assistance. No matter how urgent the situation, we will respond swiftly to tackle any plumbing or drain problem, as well as the excavation of underground water mains and sewage main lines.

water heater while on vacation – Forum

Kathy55 10:05 a.m.|January 31, 2011 Member since: February 12, 2006 Total posts: 34 When we leave on vacation, we cut off the water to the house, and we’re wondering if turning on the vacation setting on our gas hot water heater would be adequate given that the water has been turned off in the house.We are normally away for two to four weeks at a time.Thank you very much.

LarryG 10:30AM|
January 31, 2011 Member since: 07/22/04 649 total posts in his/her lifetime Yes, that is exactly what you intend to accomplish.
It will prevent the burner from turning on and the pilot from igniting, as well as the formation of condensation.
Kathy55 05:58PM|
02/04/11 Member since: 02/12/06 Total of 34 posts in his/her lifetime There is one final question.

It was only today that we had a new Bradford White hot water heater installed, and it does not have a vacation option as our previous one had.
It features a single dial with the options extremely hot, hot, low, and pilot.
When we travel on vacation, should I put it on low or autopilot to save energy?

Thanks.LarryG 07:49 a.m.|02/06/11 Member since: 07/22/04 649 total posts in his/her lifetime Because the pilot will prevent the main burner from turning on and will maintain the pilot lit to prevent condensation from collecting within the tank, it is important to utilize the pilot.(similar to the vacation option on the last one) I will be taking a lengthy winter vacation of three to four months.I intend to turn off the water supply to the house and put the water heater to the vacation setting.I’ll be gone for a week.

I’m wondering if this is an excessive amount of time to leave the heater on vacation mode while also turning off the cold water supply.Thanks BV002838 05:35 p.m.on December 21, 2013 The water heater is located in the garage, where the temperature has the potential to drop below 32 degrees.Do you still suggest that the gas valve be shut off?

Would the sole issue be that the valve was not closed properly, resulting in gas being wasted?BV004896 09:04 a.m.|July 6, 2014 Should we switch off an electric heater if it hasn’t been used for two or three weeks?I’m curious if turning it on and off at our lake cottage over the summer is more expensive than leaving it on all of the time.

As a matter of fact, it is a brand new one.
BV000193 07:25 a.m., July 17, 2014 When an electric heater is not in operation, it consumes no electricity.
But, if you know it isn’t going to dip below freezing, you may turn off the electricity to it.
BV008084 10:34 a.m.|

June 15, 2015 What if I put my gas water heater on ″pilot″ while I’m away (for roughly 2 weeks), and then switch off the water supply to the house?Is this a good idea?Is it possible to just switch the water supply back on and set the water heater to ″on″ after I’ve done this?BV012352 09:12 PM|July 26, 2016 What about electric water heaters, do you think?Is it possible to use the vacation settings for these?

Is this preferable to completely shutting down the heater’s power?
BV013494 Is there a possibility of significant evaporation of the water in the tank after a few months if the water heater is in vacation mode and the water intake is turned off?
03:17PM|
12/07/16 Is there a possibility of significant evaporation of the water in the tank after a few months if the water heater is in vacation mode and the water intake is turned off?
BV013943 10:30 a.m.|

May 22, 2017 It is customary for me to switch off the water main.Water heater (electric with power vent) has been left unattended for some time.I was debating whether I should simply unplug the water heater, put it on vacation mode, or leave it alone.Usually, three to four days are required.

BV013943 10:37 a.m.|May 22, 2017 BV013943 10:30 a.m.|

May 22, 2017 It is customary for me to switch off the water main.Leaving the water heater (natural gas with power vent) alone has been a good decision.I was debating whether I should simply unplug the water heater, utilize the vacation option, or leave it alone.Usually, three to four days are required.For a week or more, I cut off the main water valve and put the water heater to the vacation setting on the thermostat.BV018122 12:40 a.m.|

December 4, 2018 We’ve been reading about the dangers of Legionella bacteria growing in hot water heaters that are kept at a ″warm″ temperature.Is it dangerous to leave a tank on pilot for a couple of weeks, or even longer, than that?When I’m on vacation to Sapa Vietnam Tours, I always switch off all of the lines since it’s so much more relaxing to be able to go without worrying.BV019193 05:27PM|

April 30, 2019 I have a 40-gallon Bradford white gas water heater from 2009.I have a sensor alarm that detects when there is a leak.What should I do if a leak occurs while I’m on vacation and I’m not home?Should I turn off the water supply to the tank in order to avoid flooding?Is it possible to conserve energy by turning the temperature down on an instant on type water heater?

BV021215 12:09PM|
01/01/20 BV021896 03:04PM|
03/15/20 BV021896 03:04PM|
03/15/20 I’ve turned off the water to my house and put my hot water tank on vacation mode to save money.
Is it OK to leave it in this condition for eight months?
BV023875 04:24PM|

November 24, 2020 I will be taking a lengthy winter vacation of three to four months.I intend to turn off the water supply to the house and put the water heater to the vacation setting.I’ll be gone for a week.I’m wondering if this is an excessive amount of time to leave the heater on vacation mode while also turning off the cold water supply.

Thanks BV025028 07:32 a.m.|March 21, 2005 It is okay to leave my gas water heater on vacation mode while I am away for a few days while I have it repaired?My gas water heater is leaking from the top.

Shutting Off Water Before Going on Vacation

Skip to the main content Before leaving on vacation, turn off the water supply.Affected by water damage in the home’s water shutoff valve What if you returned home from a peaceful vacation only to discover a strange odor when you opened the front door?Your stomach sinks as you smell mildew, which smells like an old cellar, and then you realize you have thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home as a result of the flood that occurred in your home.The source of the problem is a leak that burst and caused hundreds of gallons of water to flood your home for several days straight.

Everything on the outside appears to be normal; there are no alarms, no smoke, and the security alarm did not even sound, but on the inside, there is a world of devastation that has wiped out everything that comes into contact with the floor.
What if all that happened could have been avoided?
That is precisely the purpose of this post.

The Importance of Shutting Off Your Main Water Valve

Many reasons exist for you to secure your house by turning off the main water valve.Here are some of them.Read on to learn more about the advantages we’ve compiled for you in the section below.1.

Preventing the possibility of damage The level of damage produced by water is perhaps the most severe sort of damage that a property can sustain, according to experts.
Once mildew has permeated everything in your home for a few days, it’s probable that practically anything that is porous in nature (wood, fabrics, electronics, and so on) will be ruined completely.
In essence, the potential financial consequences of the damage might be significant.
2.
Exorbitant costs and a significant loss of time Although you may be covered by insurance, I can assure you that you will still be out of money until your goods have been dried and cleaned (and maybe replaced if required) (most likely).

The insulation of your electrical wire can be harmed as well since it can act as a sponge, soaking up the moisture and causing corrosion.
No matter what you do, you will never be able to recoup the whole amount of your expenses.
One of the negative aspects you’ll notice is that many insurance firms are in ″cost reduction″ mode all of the time.

It might take many months before you see any money, and it will almost always be less than you expect it to be worth.There’s even a line of business that can negotiate the settlement on your behalf in exchange for a part of the payout.Some insurance plans may even be worthless if you fail to turn off your water supply while away from home for more than a predetermined number of days.Check your policies to be sure you’re not missing anything.The majority of homeowners’ insurance plans are written on the assumption that the house is occupied on a daily basis.If no one is around to keep an eye on things, the insurance coverage may be rendered worthless.

How to Carefully Turn Off and Back On Your Water

The most difficult element of shutting down your water supply is remembering to do it in the first place. If you take a camper to the beach a couple of times a year, it could be a good idea to leave the keys with a piece of paper that says ″turn off the water.″ Small reminders can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Consequently, use these procedures to locate your primary valve: A few frequent locations where your water valve might be found in your home are listed below. In your basement or crawlspace
outside your home
between a wellhouse and a city water meter
in a utility room
or any other location you want.

Once the valve has been located and the handle has been turned to the on position, the valve will be in line with the pipe.In addition, the handle will be perpendicular in the off position.Once you have turned off the water, you will be able to turn on any faucet in your home, and you should see that the water pressure is gradually decreasing until there is no more water.Water will typically flow for around 10 seconds due to the pressure in the pipe.

This shut off should be tested before you leave the house in order to confirm that it is in proper functioning order and that you have the correct shut off valve in place.
Remember that you’ll want to be careful while re-opening the valve to avoid damaging it.
When you turn the valve back on, you’ll want to go gently so that the water doesn’t rush back in and create excessive pressure in your line.
As a general guideline, you’ll want to count backwards from 20 as you carefully move the handle.

Should You Also Turn Off Your Water Heater?

When you go on vacation, it’s advisable to switch off your water heater as well as the rest of your appliances. The fact that you turned off the heat source (gas or electric) while you were away will not harm your water heater in any way. This will save you money on electricity (gas), as well as potential harm if it spills.

In Conclusion: Turn The Water Off If Gone More Than 24 Hrs

Nobody anticipates a flood in their house as a result of a faulty plumbing system.However, these sorts of tragedies may and do occur – and when they do, you aren’t aware of the extent of the devastation until after it has occurred.When you’re intending to be away from home for more than 24 hours, don’t forget to switch off the main water supply to your house.Even for weekend getaways, it’s a good idea to pack light.

If you experience a typical plumbing malfunction, this is the most effective method of preventing significant water leaks and damage.
South End Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services, so keep in mind that we are only a click away.
We also specialize in leak detection – just give us a call for more information!
South End Plumbing is one of the few organizations that will provide you with a no-obligation quote.
To arrange an appointment, please call us at 704-919-1722 or complete the online form.

Snowbird Tips You Need to Know

Are you considering spending the winter in Florida?A snowbird is a resident of the northern hemisphere who relocates to a warmer southern state during the winter months.If you despise the cold, you can consider becoming a snowbird as well.Here are some things you should do before you travel to the southern hemisphere: In your absence, a family, friend, or paid service caretaker should visit your property once a week to ensure that everything is in order.

Instruct the caretaker to walk around the whole house during the inspections to ensure that everything is in working order.
Despite the fact that you will not be present, the caretaker’s tracks in the snow can serve as a deterrent to thieves.
Additionally, leave your phone information with your next-door neighbors so that they may call you in the event of an emergency such as floods or a fire.
You should take advantage of this opportunity to clear out your refrigerator and leave it empty.
If your refrigerator contains a freezer and you wish to unplug it, you should also empty the freezer before you do so.

After disconnecting your refrigerator, leave the door open to avoid the growth of mildew and smells.
Drain all water from the drains before departing on your snowbird trip, and keep the lowest drain open until you return.
If you fail to empty your pipes properly, you may return to a flooded residence if the water inside the pipes freezes and bursts due to freezing temperatures.

Draining your pipes will also keep the water from becoming stagnant and smelling up the area while you are away from home.When you drain your hot water tank, you won’t have to worry about the tank bursting or paying a big gas bill because the tank will be empty.After you have emptied the tank, you must also turn off the pilot light because there will be no water to heat after you have done so.If you are unsure of where it is, you should consult the instructions provided with your tank.The last thing you want is for your house to become overheated while you are away from home, since this will result in a high energy bill for you.By using the proper thermostat, you can link your heating system to your smartphone and keep track of the temperature settings across your home in real time!

Make sure that the temperature does not get above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.Once you’ve installed a home alarm system, inform your friends or family members of the company’s contact information.If your alarm is activated, you must have someone who is close to your home receive a call from the alarm provider and come to your home to investigate.This individual can accompany the police on a search of your home to see whether anything is missing.

If you are just going to be there for a short period of time, make sure you have enough medicine to last that time period.If you are planning to remain for more than a month, check to see if your prescription is accessible in both states before traveling.This will save you the trouble of having to travel back home simply to pick up your prescription.You may either offer your houseplants to friends or ask the caregiver to water them if you have houseplants that require continual attention.

If you are going to be gone for longer than 90 days, you may have to give your plants away permanently to make room.
You should switch off the ringer on your landline phone if you have one since trespassers may hear it ringing and assume that no one is home, which is dangerous.
If you have an answering machine, you are under no need to notify anyone that you are gone from your home.

Flushing a Water Heater: Why Should I Flush My Water Heater?

Regular maintenance is required for your water heater, just as it is for other devices such as your automobile.Water heaters accumulate sediment, calcium, and minerals over time, which settles to the bottom of the tank and causes it to get clogged.It is at the bottom of the tank where the water heater’s heating element is located.The water heater will have to work harder to heat the water if the heat is being blocked by silt and other foreign objects.

There aren’t any negative consequences to flushing a water heater.
Sediment buildup causes harm, and leaving it in place is more expensive than just flushing it out on a regular basis.

How Often Should I get My Water Heater Flushed?

It is advised that you clean your water heater at least once a year to keep it running efficiently. This will aid in the prevention of the possible difficulties that silt might cause over time if left unchecked.

What Happens if I don’t Flush My Water Heater?

It is possible that leaving sediment buildup in your water heater would not only make it work harder, but it may also result in some major complications.For example, if the sediment builds up to a significant level, you may see it coming out of your faucets and drains.Sediment, on the other hand, can produce much more significant problems over time.Things like a ruptured pipe, a lack of water pressure, or even the failure of the tank itself are all possibilities.

These issues often manifest themselves over a period of two to five years.

Do I Need to Flush a Tankless Water Heater?

Yes. Despite the fact that tankless water heaters do not store as much water as traditional tanks, they can still accumulate sediment and require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them operating properly.

How do I Flush My Water Heater?

Shut down the gas or electricity if you have a gas water heater, or the electricity if you have an electric water heater.
Allow the water heater to cool for a short period of time
Turn off the water supply.
Start by turning on the hot water from a nearby faucet to avoid a vacuum from building and to make it easier for the tank to drain
To drain the water, connect an empty bucket or drain hose to the valve and run the hose down to the drain.
During this procedure, you may need to empty a bucket numerous times. Drain the water heater tank by opening the drain valve and allowing the water to run until the tank is completely drained. If you haven’t allowed the water heater to cool down properly, the water can get quite hot at this point
proceed with caution.
Remove any remaining sediment by restoring the cold water supply and allowing it to drain. Carry on like this for a couple of times to get rid of all the silt
Drain the water by closing the drain valve.
Reopening the water supply valve will allow you to refill the water heater tank.
Start the water heater by turning it on.

In the home, removing the water heater’s tank is possible, but it might be hazardous. A professional expert can have your water heater cleansed in no time if you are uncomfortable flushing your water heater yourself or if you want to make sure the job is done correctly the first time.

How to Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode and Turn It Back

Water heating systems consume a significant amount of energy to run.As a result, an increasing number of environmentally aware people (as well as those who just want to cut their utility bills) are learning how to set their water heaters into ″vacation mode″ with the goal of conserving energy and saving money.So, what exactly is vacation mode, and where do you go to locate it on your computer or smartphone?

Water Heater Vacation Mode: What Is It?

In your water heater system, there is an option called vacation mode that allows you to run your boiler at lower temperatures than usual, therefore conserving energy.In most cases, manufacturers set vacation mode at 50° F, which is far lower than the temperature required to heat your house, but high enough to keep any water from freezing while you’re gone.Certain systems will not require you to make any changes to the manufacturer’s settings.It is possible to regulate the temperature of the water by turning a dial.

Whatever method you select, the aim is to lower the activity of your water heater, reduce energy consumption, and lower your costs while also preventing your pipes from freezing and causing damage.

Where Do You Find Vacation Mode And How Do You Use It?

There are a variety of techniques available from water heater manufacturers for putting your unit into vacation mode, the most prominent of which is a particular setting on the thermostat itself.To check if your thermostat has a vacation mode, go to the settings menu and scroll through the options.If it does, all you have to do is choose it, and the system will take care of the rest.If your thermostat does not have a vacation mode that is expressly stated on it, you may manually accomplish the same result as a vacation mode by setting the temperature to ″Pilot″ mode and leaving it there until you return.

Why You Should Put Your Water Heater In Vacation Mode

It is primarily for financial reasons that you should put your water heater into vacation mode.You have no need to heat water to 120 degrees if you are not going to be in the house to utilize it.It is a waste of energy that results in an increase in your utility costs.The other reason is to keep freezing water from causing damage to your pipes during lengthy periods of extremely cold weather.

If you forget to switch off your water heating system while you’re gone and the water freezes into ice, you face the danger of cracks in your pipes, damage to your plumbing, and perhaps the need to replace your entire system.
As the ice grows, it causes damage to the pipe surrounding it, which results in leaks when the ice eventually thaws.
Then, when you switch your system back on, it doesn’t work anymore, and you frequently end up with flooding in your house as a result of this failure.
Setting the system to ″Vacation″ or ″Pilot″ mode will save you money on electricity while also protecting your water heater from harm.
In order to avoid substantial harm to your system, a compromise must be made between utilizing no electricity at all and using a little amount of heat to keep it running.

As you can see, the vacation mode function of your water heater is a critical feature to have.
Even if your thermostat doesn’t have a dedicated vacation mode, you can still lower the temperature to keep your house safe while you’re gone on vacation.
If you require more assistance with your water heater, you should consult with a professional to ensure that you receive the water heater services you require to restore your s

Should I Turn Off My Water Heater When I Go on Vacation?

Why It’s Better to Leave It On

Instead of Turning It Off, Try This

Need More Water Heater Help?

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

10 Home Prep Tips Before Going on Vacation

Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater When on Vacation?

Turning Off Your Water Heater Does Not Provide Significant Energy Savings

Shutting Off Your Water Heater Can Cause Problems

Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater When Not in Use?

Can You Leave Water Heater on With Water Off?

When You Should Turn Off the Water?

When the Water Heater Leaks

When Turning Off the Water Heater Doesn’t Matter

During a Vacation

During Normal Operations When the Tank Is Full

Expert Advice

The amount saved when turning off/on the water heater is insignificant.

You create more problems by turning off the water heater between uses and back on within short periods of time.

Install Timers.

Drain Your Tank.

Final Thoughts

To Drain or Not to Drain-Your Hot Water Heater

Should You Put Your Water Heater In Vacation Mode?

What is Water Heater Vacation Mode?

Pros & Cons of Your Water Heater in Vacation Mode

Pros

Cons

A Sure-Fire Alternative to Vacation Mode

What Else Can You Do?

Final Thoughts

Call 1-Tom-Plumber for More Help

water heater while on vacation – Forum

Shutting Off Water Before Going on Vacation

The Importance of Shutting Off Your Main Water Valve

How to Carefully Turn Off and Back On Your Water

Should You Also Turn Off Your Water Heater?

In Conclusion: Turn The Water Off If Gone More Than 24 Hrs

Snowbird Tips You Need to Know

Flushing a Water Heater: Why Should I Flush My Water Heater?

How Often Should I get My Water Heater Flushed?

What Happens if I don’t Flush My Water Heater?

Do I Need to Flush a Tankless Water Heater?

How do I Flush My Water Heater?

How to Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode and Turn It Back

Water Heater Vacation Mode: What Is It?

Where Do You Find Vacation Mode And How Do You Use It?

Why You Should Put Your Water Heater In Vacation Mode

Leave a Reply Cancel reply