A hot water heater not in use?

Yes you should drain your water heater if it will not be used for 3 or more months. 1st- turn off power or gas, 2nd- connect your hose to the drain valve, 3rd- turn on the drain valve with the water pressure still on to remove any sediment, 4th-shut down the water supply, 5th- you can try to open a faucet so that the water heater will drain, but you will most likely need to open the t&p valve to get the water heater to drain, but they do like to stick open when they are more than a few years old. Also remember to fill your tank before starting your heater back on.

The best you can do is to close the gas valve and drain the water. Make sure to connect a garden hose to run the water away from your property foundation.

Well, I looked up the adjective, temperate, and the dictionary says that it would relate to mild conditions. And if your water heater is electric, then all you would have to do is flip the circuit breaker. I have been away for three months during the winter and have never had any problems. I just walk in and turn it on. Then the surrounding apartments do keep it at least 50 degrees so I never worry about it freezing, If you are sure that your water heater won't experience freezing temperatures, just flip the breaker. Also, if it is filled with water, the internals won't oxidize. Do you drain the water from your pipes when you are not using the cabin so that they won't freeze?

Drain it , if its electric shut off the breaker and even go so far as disconnecting the wires from the breaker or tank to prevent it being started up dry , you will burn up the elements in less than a minute if you do , for gas drain it and turn off the gas cock , refill either before you fire them up

Flush it before you drain it. If your water is anything like mine, you've got a layer of crud in there which will turn to rock if not removed. Happy New Year!

good answers, also legionares disease can grow in stagnant water, so drain the tank