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You not going to cause any harm by turning it off for months even when filled, however it would be a great opportunity to flush out and sediment that might be in the tank. Just open the valve and allow it to drain while the water feed to still open to force out any built up sediment in the bottom of the tank.
Then turn off the electric and water supply to the tank while allowing it to drain completely. This would be your best option, IMO.
Depending upon the tank, water, and anodes, it could STANK after sitting like that. It would need to be flushed of the stagnant water in any event, since the crud in the bottom is now a five month petri dish. I agree that draining the tank is the better option.
I have gas water heater and I am living 7 months of a year overseas. When back home, I didn't notice any smell or other changes in water. I just flush the pipes and faucets.
My tank is almost 40 years old and probably never flushed, or at least the last 20 years I own the home.
Depending upon the tank, water, and anodes, it could STANK after sitting like that. It would need to be flushed of the stagnant water in any event, since the crud in the bottom is now a five month petri dish. I agree that draining the tank is the better option.
I guess it could stank hank. Best to drain it all the way down.
I have gas water heater and I am living 7 months of a year overseas. When back home, I didn't notice any smell or other changes in water. I just flush the pipes and faucets.
My tank is almost 40 years old and probably never flushed, or at least the last 20 years I own the home.
They built them better back then. 10 years is all we get out of one in my part of FL.
They built them better back then. 10 years is all we get out of one in my part of FL.
Usually because the anode rods get eaten up from certain water conditions. Anode rods if replaced over the years will extend the life of the tank but most people never think of it. They are fairly inexpensive too like $30 i think the last one i bought.
Depending upon the tank, water, and anodes, it could STANK after sitting like that. It would need to be flushed of the stagnant water in any event, since the crud in the bottom is now a five month petri dish. I agree that draining the tank is the better option.
Mastering the obvious, you want to make damn sure the power is turned off to the heater before you drain it, and make damn sure no "helpful" person is going to turn the power back on.
Our electric water heater is in the garage and every year we're away for at least 5 months and during that time it's turned off. When we return and turn it back on we open and run all the faucets for a minute or 2 to remove any air in the line, never had any stink in over 20 years.
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