Hot Water Heater question

Hi all,

I own and occupy a double house and have decided to leave the other apartment empty for a while. I want to turn off the gas hot water heater for that apartment to save energy. Is it as simple as shutting off the gas supply and draining the tank? Do I need to concern myself with the igniter/pilot mechanism? Are there any other start up concerns?

Thanks for the advice!

-B

Reply to
Brian E. Kress
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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" :-)

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

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....

Reply to
hallerb

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.

Reply to
trader4

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

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

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.

Reply to
mm

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.

Reply to
mm

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

Reply to
hallerb

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