When you leave for an extended vacation, your home can become vulnerable to issues like break-ins or damage.

One important step to take to protect your property is turning off the main water valve before you leave. This will help to prevent unexpected leaks or plumbing mishaps that could result in costly flooding and repairs when you return.

Equally important is adjusting your hot water heater before leaving for an extended period. If not properly set, hot water heaters can pose serious risks like fire or explosion.

If you are unfamiliar with your home’s hot water heater, Income Realty Home Watch can help. This article will guide you through the necessary steps you should take based on your water heater type to ensure your property stays safe while you’re away.

How a Hot Water Heater Works

At its core, a hot water heater’s primary job is to heat water, which is essential for everyday activities like bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Whether it’s a tank-based or tankless system, the hot water heater warms water and circulates it throughout the house.

Tank-based heaters hold large volumes of water in a tank, continuously maintaining a set temperature, while tankless heaters heat water on-demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank. Regardless of the type, the heater ensures that hot water is available whenever needed.

In essence, these devices allow for the rapid heating and efficient distribution of water, with some models employing both top-down and bottom-up heating methods. However, various water heater types can be more complicated for homeowners to maintain, especially when they’re not around for long periods.

The Importance of Switching Off Your Hot Water Heater

When leaving your property vacant for over 10 days, it’s essential to turn off the main water valve to prevent flooding. If you have a tank-based water heater, also make sure to turn it off, as running it without water can lead to dangerous consequences.

Air doesn’t cool the heating elements as efficiently as water. Without water to cool the heating element, the exposed element may overheat, causing friction and potentially resulting in a fire or even an explosion. In homes with tank-based hot water heaters, this can present a significant danger if not addressed.

That’s where a trusted home watch service comes in. Income Realty Home Watch knows how to properly manage the hot water heater settings in your absence. During our initial inspection of the season, we verify that the water heater is set properly, ensuring there’s no risk of overheating or damage to the system.

Tank-Based Hot Water Heaters

Tank-based hot water heaters are the most common type in homes, storing water at a set temperature until it’s needed. Water enters from the bottom of the heater, heats up as it rises, and exits through the top when a tap or shower is turned on. These units typically hold between 20 and 100 gallons of water, depending on the size.

These heaters can be powered by electricity or natural gas, and it’s essential to know which type you have in order to take the right precautions when leaving for an extended period.

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Tank-Based Electric Hot Water Heaters

For homes with electric tank-based hot water heaters, the process is straightforward. To prevent overheating, simply turn off the power at the circuit breaker by flipping the dedicated breaker to the “off” position. It’s helpful to ensure your home watch company is familiar with your electrical system and that the correct breakers are clearly labeled for easy identification.

Tank-Based Gas Hot Water Heaters

Gas-powered tank-based hot water heaters require a different approach. Completely shutting off the system can make reigniting it dangerous, so they should be switched to”vacation” or “pilot” mode instead.

If you forget to adjust the setting or are unsure if it’s correct, Income Realty Home Watch can help. We will check the settings and assist in reigniting the system, always ensuring the proper safety precautions are followed.

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters are more expensive but come with fewer complications. Since they heat water on demand and don’t store water in a tank, the risk of overheating during extended periods of inactivity is minimal.

These units use a heat exchanger to warm water as it flows through, and with no internal elements exposed to air, there’s no need to adjust or turn off the system. If you have a tankless water heater, you can rest easy knowing no special precautions are necessary before leaving your home for the season.

Recirculation Pumps

If your home has a recirculation pump, it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re away. Leaving it on can cause damage if it runs dry, and turning it off helps conserve energy. While many pumps have timers or sensors, it’s still important to ensure the pump is properly shut off during your absence to prevent unnecessary wear.

Bottom line

Setting your hot water heater properly before leaving for an extended period is crucial for safety and property protection. Whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless unit, knowing the right settings can prevent accidents and keep your home secure while you’re away.

Contact Income Realty Home Watch and rest easy knowing that your home and hot water heater are properly cared for.

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How to Set Your Hot Water Heater Before Leaving for the Season