I found a lot of discussion regarding the turning down of a hot water tank, and shutting off the water when on vacation. My question is does the length of the vacation matter? Over (let's say 6 weeks), would water in the tank evaporate, and wouldn't the tank try to refill itself? With the water off, would that be a problem?

Hi! fr144, welcome to AMHD :)

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Originally Posted by fr144

I found a lot of discussion regarding the turning down of a hot water tank, and shutting off the water when on vacation. My question is does the length of the vacation matter? Over (let's say 6 weeks), would water in the tank evaporate, and wouldn't the tank try to refill itself? With the water off, would that be a problem?

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I would think the bigger problem would be coming home after six weeks, and finding the basement flooded :eek:

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does the length of the vacation matter? Over (let's say 6 weeks), would water in the tank evaporate, and wouldn't the tank try to refill itself? With the water off, would that be a problem?

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No problem with the water heater. Simply shut the power off to nthe heater and close the house shut off.
Shutting off the water to the house is the cheapest insurance you'll ever get. If you live in a colder climate you are going to leave the heat on low aren't you?
Have a great vacation, Tom

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Originally Posted by speedball1

No problem with the water heater. Simply shut the power off to nthe heater and close the house shut off.
Shutting off the water to the house is the cheapest insurance you'll ever get. If you live in a colder climate you are going to leave the heat on low aren't you?
Have a great vacation, Tom

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Hi! Tom, When I lived at Mom, and Dad's many years ago that was my job whenever we went on a trip.

• Main water off
• Juice to the Water heater turned off
• Furnace turned down
• Turn off dehumidifier
• And make sure his shoes were clean and shined ;)

Steve

Thanks, I just want to get this correct. I will: shut off the water, turn the gas water heater to its lowest setting, and turn off any power to the water heater. What about (as some suggest), putting some anti-freeze in the drains?

I will leave the heat on about 48 to 50F, I live in upstate NY, and have never really taken a winter vacation until my wife's retirement. So all this is a bit new to me, forgive the redundancy of my question.

KUXJ spelled it all out for you.
Follow his excellent advice.

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I will: shut off the water, turn the gas water heater to its lowest setting, and turn off any power to the water heater. I will leave the heat on about 48 to 50F, What about (as some suggest), putting some anti-freeze in the drains?

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If you don't wish to shut off the gas to the heater then If you have a vacation setting on your water heater control that's what I'd leave it at. If not then the lowest setting will do. Blowing outthe water lines and putting anti-freeze in the traps are for "winterizing" a house, such as a vacation cabin, that you plan to leave without any heat. Since you're leaving the heat on there should be no problem. Have a great time! Tom

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Originally Posted by fr144

Thanks, I just want to get this correct. I will: shut off the water, turn the gas water heater to its lowest setting, and turn off any power to the water heater. What about (as some suggest), putting some anti-freeze in the drains?

I will leave the heat on about 48 to 50F, I live in upstate NY, and have never really taken a winter vacation until my wife's retirement. So all this is a bit new to me, forgive the redundancy of my question.

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No need to apologize fr.

As sb1 pointed out:

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Originally Posted by speedball1

Blowing outthe water lines and putting anti-freeze in the traps are for "winterizing" a house, such as a vacation cabin, that you plan to leave without any heat. Since you're leaving the heat on there should be no problem. Have a great time!! Tom

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If you are still a little worried, do you have a member of the family, a trusted friend or neighbor that you could give a key to, to stop, and check on the house?
In lieu of that you could contact the local police department to let them know you'll be out of town, and ask them if they would cruise by once, and a while. Let them have a contact number where you could be reached at.

Also don't forget to stop the Mail, and the paper.

Let's see... I don't think I'm forgetting anything :rolleyes: Oh! If you are coming through Pennsylvania, see:
511PA - Travel Info To Go

Above all, as sb1 said:

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Originally Posted by speedball1

Have a great time!! Tom

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Steve