Hot Water Heater question

Shutting off the gas supply will take care of turning it off. I think I would also turn the thermostat off as well. Draining is a good idea if you are going to have it off for a long time or it may be subject to freezing temps.

BTW why do you have a water heater to heat hot water? "Hot Water Heater question" :-)

turn off gas supply, leave water in tank.

a drained tank will still be wet inside, and with air will hasten rusting...

better is empty.

whatever you do theres a good chance it will have trouble if it sits a long time....

I agree. Unless there is a danger of freezing, I would not drain the tank. I don't see any upside, and on the downside, I would think it would be easier for rusting to occur.

All he should have to do is turn off the valve on the gas control assembly, then relight the pilot when ready to go again.

True, but if the OP has the tank in a location that a leak could be costly, then I would vote to empty it.

If you are draining the tank, you must be expecting the house to freeze. Better drain the other pipes too, and the toilet tanks, and I think the boiler if there is one.

What does mine mean when it says it has a glass liner? How much is lined?

I thought most/all? WH's had glass liners these days.

all tanks these days are glass lined. its not a flawless coverage, and cracks and such do occur. at most it slows tanks rusting out as does the anode rod/s.

if the water is turned off any leak will be slow and less likely to do damage.

draining a older tank will only cause it to fail faster, from rusting. only a good idea if the building might freeze.

in such a case draining and blowing all lines clear of water and antifreeze in all traps like sinks and toilet, along with totally draining dishwashers and clothes washers is ssential