Yes,that is what you want to do. It will keep the burner from coming on and the pilot will prevent condensation from forming.

One last question. We just had a new Bradford White hot water heater installed today and it doesn't have a vacation setting like our old one did. It has one dial with very hot...hot...low...pilot. Should I be setting it on low or pilot when we go on vacation? Thanks.

Pilot because that will prevent the main burner from coming on and keep the pilot lit to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank.(just like the vacation setting on the old one)

I will be leaving on an extended winter vacation 3+ months. I plan to shut off my water supply to the house and set the water heater to vacation setting. Question I have is this to long to have the heater on vacation setting along with the cold water supply turned off? Thanks

No, When going on vacation for an extended period it is better to have the gas valve shut

When you return drain the water from the tank, refill with fresh water then relight the burner assembly

No, When going on vacation for an extended period it is better to have the gas valve shut

When you return drain the water from the tank, refill with fresh water then relight the burner assembly

The water heater is in the garage with the potential of temperature getting below 32 degs. Do you still recommend closing the gas valve? Would the only issue be in not closing the valve in wasting gas?

As I stated leaving gas on any appliance while gone on "extended" vacation is looking for a fire for a place to happen why not just drain the tank and what are you going to do to protect the rest of the house? leave the heat on for months at a time?

Working on a Gas Appliance

By Sylvan Tieger
Plumbing

Dangers of Gas
Unless you hold a valid Master Plumbers/Gasfitters License I would strongly suggest you don't even think of installing gas lines or a hot water heater. Do you know the actual BTU input of the H/W heater?

Are you using metalbestos (double wall flue piping)?
What is the specific gravity of the gas (fuel) in your area?
Can you safely install the T&P (Temperature & Pressure) relief valve to discharge in a code approved place?
DO YOU know how to size the T&P?
Can you check for spillage?
Do you know how to calculate the size of piping for the developed lenth of pipe and fittings for gas distribution?
Do you have enough "Free Air" for proper combustion?
Do you know how to size the free air opening?
Are you familiar with the ASME codes and the AGA as for proper installation?
What kind of material are you planning to use for gas distribution?
Are you planning on installing Drips legs? If So WHERE?
Do you know what working pressure you're working with?
Are you planning on installing a Cold water loop of a min of 27" to prevent molecules from crossing into the cold water line (heat moves to cold)?
What kind of dielectric fittings are you planning to use to prevent electrolic action between the tank and the piping?
Is the dip tube compatable with your water supply?
What provisions are you going to use for thermo expansion?
Where are you going to place your four fitting swing to allow for piping movement to prevent undue stress on your system?
How large is your existing Flue pipe? Will it be able to carry this appliance exhaust safely?
Is the area your planning on putting this possible bomb safe from dangerous vapors as PER AGA codes?

Of course you will use a W/H safety pan/tray to keep this tank elevated and to keep condensate dripping from destroying the surface it is installed on. What is the actual water temperature you plan on maintaining? Do you have a re circulation line also planned for YOUR installation? Will your insurance company pay a claim if this appliance causes a major fire if not installed professionally?
What kind of clevis hangers are you going to use? How far apart are you going to space them? Will you need riser Clamps? Are you going to use left and right nipples and coupling for your final hook up? Which APPROVED gas cock are you going to buy? Do you know what to check for to make sure you have positive combustion? Do you know how to check for Co? Do you know how many parts of Co (PPM)can kill you?

You have heavy insurance on your family and your home I hope. How many pounds of inches of Mercury are you going to test these lines?

WOULD you go to a doctor who was not licensed to operate on YOU?
IF you say NO then WHY would you want to risk your own life and members of your family and possibly burning down your home just to save a few dollars?

Thousands of people are maimed and die each year from faulty hook ups. INSPECTIONS are for your protection. Hiring a Licensed Master Plumber/ Gas Fitter is for your protection also.
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