Should You Turn Your Water Heater Off When Going On Vacation?

Turning your water heater completely off before leaving for vacation is not always the right call. The smarter move depends on how long you’ll be gone, what type of unit you have, and what kind of property you’re leaving behind. Getting this decision right can mean the difference between coming home to comfortable hot water and coming home to an unpleasant surprise.

It’s Not as Simple as Flipping a Switch

Most traditional tank-style water heaters run continuously, keeping 30 to 80 gallons of water hot around the clock, even when nobody is there to use it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of a home or building’s energy use. Letting your unit run at full capacity while you’re away for a week or more is unnecessary energy consumption with zero benefit.

For shorter trips of one to three days, adjusting the thermostat to the “vacation” or lowest setting (usually 50-60°F on electric models) is usually sufficient; this prevents freezing without full energy waste, aligning with Energy Star tips. For anything longer, a full shutdown may be worth considering, though the right answer depends on your specific setup.

When Turning It Off Makes Sense

If you’re leaving a residential property vacant for more than a week, powering down a tank-style heater is a reasonable choice. Here’s what to keep in mind before you do:

• Drain the tank if there’s any risk of freezing temperatures
• Shut off the cold water supply valve to the unit
• Know how to safely relight the pilot light upon return (for gas units)
• Give the tank time to reheat before expecting hot water

For commercial properties, the decision gets more layered. Building codes like UPC/IPC may require minimum temperatures in occupied buildings. If the building will be unoccupied, a shutdown may make sense. If there’s any risk of residual use or ongoing operations, a reduced temperature setting may be safer.

Where Tankless Units Change the Conversation

If you have a tankless water heater, the math is different. These units only heat water on demand, so they’re already not wasting energy between uses. Turning one off entirely during a vacation offers minimal savings and may not be necessary at all. Knowing what kind of system you have is the first step to making the right call.

Risks You Should Know About

There are scenarios where shutting down the unit creates its own set of issues. If water sits stagnant in a tank for an extended period without heat, bacterial growth (including Legionella) becomes a real concern, according to the CDC. This is especially relevant for commercial properties. If you plan to shut down, draining the tank is the safer route.

Answers to Your Most Asked Questions

Will my water heater take a long time to reheat after I turn it back on?

Most tank-style units take between 30 minutes to an hour to fully reheat, depending on size and energy source. Plan accordingly before your first shower back home.

Does shutting off my water heater void any warranty?

It typically does not, but always check your manufacturer’s documentation. Improper draining or refilling procedures are more likely to cause issues.

Should I drain my water heater if I shut it off?

For trips longer than two weeks or if cold weather is expected, yes. Draining reduces stagnation risk and protects the tank from potential freeze damage.

Should I schedule water heater services before a vacation?

Absolutely, and it’s actually a smart time to do it. Preventative water heater services can catch issues like sediment buildup, anode rod wear, or pressure relief valve problems before they turn into something you come back to.

What do I do if my water heater has stopped working?

If your unit fails to reheat properly, makes unusual sounds, or shows signs of leaking after being shut down and restarted, that’s your cue to call us for professional water heater repair in Bakersfield, CA rather than troubleshoot it yourself.

Check Before You Go

The Plumbing Doc has been serving residential and commercial clients since 2004, and our highly-trained technicians know that every system, and every situation, is different. Before your next trip, let us take a look. We offer free estimates, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and warranties on both workmanship and materials. Our team uses high-quality tools and equipment on every job, and we’re available 24 hours a day should anything come up after you return. Licensed, insured, and ready to help you head out the door with one less thing to worry about.

Call us before you pack your bags.