My gas hot water heater dial has OFF to the left, PILOT in the middle and ON to the right. If we are going away and want to not have the water heated can we just turn the dial to PILOT and the flame will stay lit but just won't heat the water or does the flame go out completely and then PILOT would have to be relit when we return?

Hi Joan,

"can we just turn the dial to PILOT and the flame will stay lit but just won't heat the water or does the flame go out completely and then PILOT would have to be relit when we return?"

Off= Everything shuts off including the pilot lite.
Pilot= The burner shuts off but the pilot stays lit.
Note; If the pilot should be extinguished while you're away the thermocouple will shut it off so gas will not escape and build up so you're covered.

Regards, tom

Valve may have a vacation setting as well

This is from a Frindly Plumber,
Water heaters:
A large percentage of the cost of running a water heater is due to the "stand by" losses, the cost of keeping the water at the selected temperature. Consider setting the water heater to the "Vacation" setting or the lowest temperature setting. Make sure you record what temperature it should be set back to when you return (a normal operating temperature of 120°F is safe & energy efficient). Turning it off may not be the best idea; the life of some water heaters can be shortened, you can risk freezing pipes in winter, & you can have a considerable wait for hot water once you turn it back on. Setting your water heater down but not off, can save you up to $10/month for electric water heaters or $4/month for gas.
Set your gas heater valve on the vaction and you will be Ok see the Iamge, Thanks.

John

afaroo is correct in that a total shutdown, may cause more problems down the line. If there is a vacation
Setting, use it or the lowest setting available. A good practice is to check with MFG.

Hello Rojol,

You responded to a two years old post, Thanks.

John