Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jhwill's Avatar
    jhwill Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 2, 2010, 09:05 PM
    Keep hot water heater on while on vacation?
    Is it less expensive to keep hot water heated while I'm on vacation by keeping the temp at it's regular setting, or should I turn the thermostat on pilot?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Oct 3, 2010, 06:42 AM

    When going on vacation we always advise people to set the thermostat to pilot (or vacation setting on some gas valves)... definitely save you some money! Just be sure to note the setting before you touch the thermostat so you can set it to the same place when you arrive home.

    It is also a very good idea to shut off your water main at the water meter (or pump)... this way you can be sure you won't arrive home to any leaks or floods.

    You would be amazed at how many times I've been called into these leaks when people arrive home from vacations... some have absolutely destroyed the homes so if it is possible please do consider shutting the water off, too.

    Questions... just let us know?

    Mark
    Attached Images
     
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #3

    Oct 3, 2010, 06:48 AM

    I would not only put the water heater on pilot or vacation setting but I would also shut all the water off at the house shut off. Shutting off the water while on vacation is the cheapest insurance against a flood that you'll ever buy.
    Trust ne on this and have a great vacation. Tom

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Hot Water heater setting for vacation [ 23 Answers ]

I'd like to thank Tom for his answer to my first question, and ask one more. If I turn my hot (gas) water heater to "pilot" will it be on the lowest setting or do I have to turn the temp. knob down as well... also will it be OK if I have turned the water off at the Main?

Hot water heater vacation setting [ 3 Answers ]

I have an electric hot water heater and turn it off when I am away for 2 months. But what about 2 weeks, 6 days, or? What is the cut-off point (i.e. how many days) when it will take more energy to heat the water again than it does to leave it on? Many thanks! Sally

Vacation mode/hot water heater [ 2 Answers ]

Our hot water heater keeps resetting itself to vacation mode. How do we fix this?

Vacation hot water heater setting [ 6 Answers ]

I'll be away from my house for several months. I will shut off the main water supply to the house while away. Should I use the Vacation setting on my hot water heater or turn it off entirely?

Hot water heater - vacation [ 1 Answers ]

I want to shut off my water supply while I am on vacation. I plan to put the gas control valve on "pilot" while I am gone, and let the pilot continue to burn. Is this OK? Should I open a hot water faucet in the house to relieve any possible pressure buildup due to thermal expansion? The heater...


View more questions Search