If you are going to be gone during winter weather for a couple of weeks where temps could be below zero, should you shut off water to house and drain lines and water heater?

Better safe than sorry. Suppose you have a power failure. Having turned off the water and drained the pipes would save you a lot of heartache.

You need to do more than simply shutting it off... you want to drain down the pipes, water heater... AND put antifreeze in the sink traps and toilets (Tank and bowl)... if there is a risk of losing heat... it will save you from a lot of damage.

Two weeks?
Not always worth shutting off the heat and draining water supplies.
Plus - you have to get as much water as you can out of toilets, and add antifreeze to the bowl, the tank, and all traps in other drains.

Better to turn heat down to 45 and just drain pipes that run through outside walls.

Except for the power outage... you can buy thermostats that call you.

. AND put antifreeze in the sink traps

Smoothy makes a good point about toilets.
If you are hesitant about using antifreeze, plunge each toilet to push out all the water you can. Then pour a little cooking oil in each and in each drain to protect traps.

Joy,

What are you going to do if while you are in Barbados your thermostat calls and tells you the power is off in Minnesota.

LOL, Harold...that was funny!

With that being said, I actually agree with Joypulv here...

From what I read here, we are talking a COUPLE WEEKS and I see no reason to do anything beyond shutting off the water main, turning the water heater down to vacation or pilot setting (if gas) or shutting the breaker off to the water heater if electric water heater, and turning the heat down to 60F.

Here, from experience, I have seen a few homes actually freeze up trying to save a few dollars by going below 60F...not worth it in my opinion! Set the thermostat to 60F, shut the main water supply into the home, etc., and be sure to have someone drop by every couple days to check on the place/plants/animals. Make sure they know that the boiler/furnace switch at the top of the stairs (if present) is NOT the light switch to the basement (*GRIN*) and you should be OK for a "couple weeks", Elkay!!

I also like the thermostat Joypulv mentioned, actually can call you (wherever you are) and a neighbor and/or even the plumber if his/her number is programmed into it (I am on a couple customer's call list).

Just my thoughts guys!!

Mark

If I get one of those thermostats, can I program your number into it, Mark? Will you visit me then?

We were really thinkin' about visiting this Summer, Harold, but decided to wait until this next Summer...hope you are still up for a visit then!!

Mark,

Be looking forward to it.