Will turning off the gas ruin the water heater?

Question

Will turning off the gas ruin the water heater?

Answer 1

If you are thinking of turning it off because you are going out of town, thats fine.  Just make sure there is no risk of freezing. (I know this isn't the season, but still) if you are going to winterize a home you need to empty the water out of the tank with a hose as well as turning off the gas.

Answer 2

Not if you drain it.  Just be sure to fill it before lighting it up again.

Answer 3

If you are turning off the gas to the water heater for a long period it will be best for the internal tank if you open the spigot and drain the water out.  Remember if you turn it on again there will be a pilot to relight unless electronic ignition.

Answer 4

The only way I could see it doing anything bad, if you left it off and sitting in a wet area where it could build up enough rust to plug the line.  But, that would take years in a high humidity place.  Don't worry about it.

Answer 5

It's quite the opposite..if you turn the water off and leave the gas on , it can burn or sorch the tank..all that happens if you turn the gas off is you get cold water... If the water set in the tank stagnant for ever it may give you a problem with stopping up or a bad tatse in the water..but not ruin it

Answer 6

No you don't have to drain it either.However if it was electric and you cut the power off you would want to make sure it was full of water before turning electric back on.just leave water on to water heater it will be fine.

Answer 7

i don't see how it would

Answer 8

NO (professional answer)