If you’re a part-time resident in Southwest Florida, preparing your home before leaving for the season is essential to protect it from potential damage. Each year, hundreds of thousands of homeowners leave their properties unoccupied for months at a time, making them vulnerable to issues that could be costly and hazardous. One of the most critical steps before you go is shutting off the main water valve to your home. However, equally important is knowing how to properly set your hot water heater when you do.
Failing to adjust your hot water heater before departure can pose serious risks, including fire hazards or even explosions. That’s why coordinating with Naples Property Home Watch to ensure your hot water heater is set safely is vital for your peace of mind.
An Empty House is a Vulnerable Home. Naples Property Home Watch LLC., Where TRUST MEETS PEACE OF MIND!
Why It Your Matters
Turning off the main water valve is a best practice for any home left unoccupied for more than 10 days. Otherwise, you risk walking into an unexpected indoor “aquarium” if leaks occur. However, in homes with tank-based hot water heaters, especially throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island, shutting off the main water valve can create another problem: water evaporation within the tank.
When water evaporates and isn’t replenished, the heating element in the tank becomes exposed to air. If your hot water heater remains active under these conditions, the heating element can overheat due to lack of water’s cooling effect. This friction and overheating can lead to dangerous fires or explosions.
At Naples Property Home Watch, we understand these risks and prioritize checking your hot water heater settings as part of our post-departure and routine home watch visits. We ensure your property’s major systems are secure so you can leave confidently each season.
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Setting Tank-Based Hot Water Heaters
Most homes in the area have tank-based hot water heaters, which store between 20-100 gallons of heated water and are commonly located in the garage. Depending on your heater type, here’s what you need to know:
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Electric Tank-Based Hot Water Heaters
Simply turn the unit off at the circuit breaker. Naples Property Home Watch labels and organizes your breaker panel to make identification quick and clear, ensuring safe shut-off and reactivation. -
Gas Tank-Based Hot Water Heaters
Switch your heater to “Vacation” or “Pilot” mode – never turn it off entirely. Reigniting a gas water heater can be dangerous without proper knowledge, so always take precautions. If you ever accidentally turn off your gas heater, Naples Property Home Watch can assist in safely relighting it for you.
If you forgot to adjust your hot water heater before leaving, don’t worry. Our team can check and set it during our first inspection visit, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Fewer Worries
Tankless hot water heaters use an internal heat exchanger to warm water only when needed, eliminating the risk of heating elements running dry. While these units are a larger investment, they require no additional steps before you leave for the season and provide instant hot water upon your return.
However, since most homes built before 2010 are equipped with tank-based models, it is crucial to confirm your system type and understand the correct procedure for your departure preparations.
Rely on Naples Property Home Watch
Your hot water heater is essential for daily comfort, but it can become a danger if not properly managed while you’re away. Naples Property Home Watch is here to ensure your home is protected, systems are safely set, and you return to your property in the same condition you left it. From adjusting water heaters to comprehensive security and maintenance checks, we handle the details so you can travel with confidence.
If you’re unsure how to set your hot water heater or want to add it to your customized departure checklist, contact Naples Property Home Watch today. We’re here to protect your home – every season, every visit.
