[Garywt]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

[Topspinmo]

I like electric over gas, much simpler to replace, turn it off, just flip the breaker, turn it on just flip the breaker, no pilots to lite, don’t have to worry about gas leaks or carbon monoxide. I have checklist when I leave for week or more, I turn water heater down to pilot, cut water off out side and flush the toilet to. Release pressure., among other things. Then I do the check list in reverse when I get back.

[bonrich]

When I shut down for the return to North country, I just turn off the breaker and run the hot water out and replace it with new cooler water. If you decide to turn off the water to your home, at least there is new water in the heater. Advice from a builder.

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by champion6

Assuming it's electric, simply turn it off by flipping the breaker in the service panel.

My prior post was in reference to gas.
Electric, yes, just turn it off and forget it till you get back!!