Is it safe to turn off your hot water heater before going on holidays?
One of the most frequently asked questions we’re asked by customers is “Should I turn off my hot water heater when I go on holiday?”. After all, why keep your water heater switched on, heating hot water that no one is using, wasting electricity and gas while no one is home?
Before switching off your water heater, consider the following…
How long will you be away?
If you plan to be away for a few weeks then you can think about turning off your water heater. This will save on running costs and eliminate the risk of water damage from the tank rupturing.
Is your water heater old?
If your water heater is what would be considered old, i.e. 10 yrs plus, then it has a greater risk of leaking. It’s a good idea to turn off older water heaters that may be prone to leaking, even rupturing, simply due to their age.
Where is your water heater located?
If your water heater is located inside the house and starts leaking, even ruptures, whilst you are away it can cause a lot of damage. We usually recommend turning off indoor water heaters for this reason. Depending upon the location of your outdoor water heater, it too can cause damage due to flooding.
Has your water heater been installed correctly?
If your water heater has been installed using flexible braided hoses these are more likely to rupture under pressure as they are made of rubber. Turning off water heaters with flexible braided hoses or rubber hoses is recommended. Note: copper pipework is preferable and more long lasting.
How to turn off your hot water heater
ELECTRIC HOT WATER HEATERS
IMPORTANT : If you turn off the water to the heater you MUST turn off the power.
GAS HOT WATER HEATERS
IMPORTANT : If you turn off the water to the heater you MUST turn off the power.
Turning your hot water heater back on
When you return from holidays, obviously you’ll need to turn your water heater back on.
Electric water heaters : turn your electric water heater back on as soon as you get home as you will have to wait overnight to have a full tank of hot water.
Gas water heaters : you will need to relight the system. Watch our video on how to relight a Rheem gas water heater. Once relit you will have to wait approximately one hour for hot water.
QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE?
Questions about turning your water heater on and off? Contact our hot water specialists for advice. We’re here to help.
Cheapa Hot Water Sydney
Hot water is our business. We are the Sydney hot water experts. All our hot water systems are competitively priced because we purchase large quantities direct from the manufacturers – a saving we can pass on to our customers.
The benefits of dealing with dedicated hot water specialist plumbers
Our experienced, licensed hot water installers, in fully equipped trucks, are on the road right now to ensure your hot water heater problems fixed quickly – today! We service all Sydney suburbs.
- Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we install over 4,000 hot water systems in Sydney homes and businesses.
- As one of Sydney’s largest hot water system suppliers, our enormous buying powers and ability to buy direct from the manufacturer means we can pass attractive savings on to our customers.
- Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have over 25+ years of experience each.
- We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot and more.
- Cheapa Hot Water is an Australian, family owned business offering reliable, old fashioned service.
- We pride ourselves on fast service for all electric, gas and solar hot water systems.
- Free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal of your old water heater.
- We are qualified to undertake all the plumbing and electrical work required to install a new hot water system. There is no need to waste money employing multiple trades.
- We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system today. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment.
