Are you planning to go on vacation and wondering what to do with your hot water heater? While it may not be the first thing on your mind, taking care of your hot water heater before leaving for vacation can save you from potential headaches and expenses upon your return. Here are some tips to help you prepare your hot water heater for vacation.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step to take is turning off the water supply to your hot water heater. Locate the shut-off valve, which is typically located near the top of the tank or on the inlet pipe leading into the tank. Turning off the water supply will prevent any potential leaks or bursts from causing damage while you’re away.
2. Turn Off the Power Source
If you have an electric hot water heater, it’s essential to turn off the power source before leaving for vacation. Locate your circuit breaker panel and turn off the breaker that supplies power to your hot water heater. For gas-powered heaters, turn off the gas valve that supplies fuel to your unit.
3. Drain Your Hot Water Heater
Draining your hot water heater is another crucial step in preparing it for an extended period of disuse. To do this, connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank and run it outside or into a floor drain. Open up both a hot and cold-water faucet in your home to allow air into the system, which will help speed up drainage.
Once drained, close all valves and faucets and turn on your main water supply again to flush out any remaining sediment that may have accumulated at the bottom of your tank.
4. Consider Turning Off Your Entire Water Supply
If you plan on being away from home for an extended period, consider turning off your entire home’s water supply instead of just shutting off individual appliances like your hot water heater. This will prevent any potential leaks or burst pipes from causing significant damage to your home while you’re away.
5. Set Your Thermostat to Vacation Mode
If you have a newer hot water heater with a digital thermostat, check to see if it has a vacation mode option. This setting will keep the water in your tank warm enough to prevent bacteria growth and corrosion without wasting energy by keeping the unit running at full capacity.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your hot water heater remains safe and secure while you’re away on vacation. Taking care of your appliances before leaving for extended periods is an essential part of maintaining your home and protecting it from potential damages.