Summer Vacation Tips: Should You Turn Off Your Gas Water Heater?

Planning a summer vacation? Before you head out, don’t forget one important item on your home checklist—your gas water heater!

A common question homeowners ask is: Should I turn off my gas water heater while I’m on vacation? The answer depends on how long you’ll be away, but with Rheem’s advanced features, managing your system is easier and more efficient than ever.

The Short Answer

• Gone for a few days? Turn it down or use vacation setting
• Gone for a week or more? Set to Vacation or Pilot mode
• Extended time away (2+ weeks)? Consider turning it off completely

Why Your Rheem Water Heater Keeps Running

Even when you’re not home, your water heater continues working to:

• Maintain stored water temperature
• Offset standby heat loss
• Keep the system ready for immediate hot water

Rheem’s high-efficiency gas models, including Performance and Professional series units, are designed to minimize energy loss, but adjusting settings during extended absences can still help reduce unnecessary fuel usage.

Option 1: Use Vacation Mode (or set to ‘Low’)

Many Rheem gas water heaters offer a vacation setting on the gas valve. Others allow you to reduce the temperature to its lowest level.

Benefits:

• Maintains system readiness without full shutdown
• Helps reduce energy consumption
• Protects internal components
• Eliminates the need for relighting

Best for:

• Trips lasting 3–10 days

Option 2: Switch to Pilot Mode

If your Rheem unit uses a standing pilot or gas control valve, switching to pilot mode turns off the main burner while keeping the pilot lit.

Benefits:

• Reduces gas usage without shutting down the system
• Allows quick restart when you return

Best for:

• Vacations lasting 1–2 weeks

Option 3: Turn Off Your Rheem Water Heater Completely

For extended travel, you can shut down your system entirely.

Steps:

1. Set the gas valve to OFF
2. Shut off the gas supply (if desired)
3. Turn off the cold water supply

Benefits:

• Maximum energy savings
• No standby heat losses

Considerations:

• You’ll need to relight the pilot when you return
• Sediment may accumulate during extended periods of inactivity, and flushing the tank may be recommended upon return.
• Not typically necessary for shorter trips

Rheem tip: If you have an older unit and notice slow recovery or reliability issues when restarting, it may be worth evaluating a replacement.

Should You Shut Off the Gas Supply?

This is optional for most homeowners. However, you may want to do so if:

• You’ll be gone for multiple weeks
• You’re shutting down other gas appliances
• You want additional peace of mind

If unsure, consult a licensed professional.

Smart Prep Tips Before You Go

Before you leave, take a few minutes to ensure your system is in top shape:

• Inspect for leaks or corrosion
• Check venting and clearance around the unit
• Verify your gas valve setting (Low, Vacation, or Pilot)
• Install a leak detection device for protection
• Consider a preventative flush if maintenance is due

Rheem systems with brass drain valves and accessible service points make maintenance faster and easier.

When You Return Home

To get your hot water back quickly and safely:

• Reset the temperature to your preferred setting
• Run hot water at faucets to refresh the tank
• If fully shut down, relight the pilot per the instructions provided with your heater

Rheem’s fast recovery rates, especially in higher BTU models, help ensure your home returns to normal quickly.

The Bottom Line

With a Rheem gas water heater, you have flexible, easy-to-manage options when heading out of town:

• Short trips: Turn it down or use vacation mode
• Longer trips: Switch to pilot mode
• Extended time away: Shut it off completely

Adjusting your system helps reduce energy use, maintain performance, and extend the life of your water heater.

Thinking About an Upgrade Before Your Next Trip?

Newer Rheem gas water heaters offer features that make vacation prep even simpler:

• Precise temperature controls
• High-efficiency burners for lower operating costs
• Advanced safety features and diagnostics
• Enhanced durability for long-term reliability

If your current unit lacks these capabilities, upgrading to a newer Rheem model can provide greater control, efficiency, and peace of mind—whether you’re home or away.