Gas water heater while water main is off help

[accman]

Can I empty the gas water heater tank in a temporarily vacant home (listed for sale, very cold weather coming I don’t want pipes to burst while not being used) by opening all faucets, shutting the water off, and leaving it on “pilot” mode? Or do I need to turn to “off” and turn gas off, too. The manual doesn’t explain how to handle this scenario. Model is RHEEM PROG50 38N RH60

 

[Twowaxhack]

Turn the gas off to it if you’re going to drain it.

 

[accman]

Turn the gas off to it if you’re going to drain it.

Thank you!

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

If your house is for sale (with showings etc.) leave it heated. Leave the hot water system functioning. People look at at these things.

 

[accman]

If your house is for sale (with showings etc.) leave it heated. Leave the hot water system functioning. People look at at these things.

Thank you! I am leaving the house heated, the water heater is in the attached garage which is kept around 30-40 from ambient heat. I’m worried about the lines in the house freezing without use, not necessarily the water heater itself.

What I’ve decided to do is turn the water main off, leave the water heater full and on (gas), and turn the faucets on to drain only the pipes in the home to avoid anything freezing.

I confirmed this plan with a plumber after *originally* I planned to also drain the water heater but he said I didn’t need to if I did the above.

Thank you let me know if you all have additional thoughts!

 

[Twowaxhack]

Thank you! I am leaving the house heated, the water heater is in the attached garage which is kept around 30-40 from ambient heat. I’m worried about the lines in the house freezing without use, not necessarily the water heater itself.

What I’ve decided to do is turn the water main off, leave the water heater full and on (gas), and turn the faucets on to drain only the pipes in the home to avoid anything freezing.

I confirmed this plan with a plumber after *originally* I planned to also drain the water heater but he said I didn’t need to if I did the above.

Thank you let me know if you all have additional thoughts!

Open the cabinet doors where the plumbing is to let the heat penetrate into the walls.

I like to blow everything out with an air compressor, use a shop vac and pour RV antifreeze in the toilets, sink traps. Also suck the water out of the dishwasher or washing machine pumps, they hold water.

This protects you if the heat fails.