Hello Kathleen,

I would recommend you turn the unit off for the time you are gone. Look for a red control value on the gas line coming to the unit. Turn this off and the pilot light will go out.

When you return you will need to prime the gas in the line to re light the unit and the instructions on how to do it are on the water heater, sometimes on a cover, other times on a chain card setup.

I always lower the temperature instead of blowing the pilot out. I've heard a couple horror stories when a owner tried to light the pilot back again and it wouldn't light back again.

Keep the heater on the lowest setting. The little heat from the pilot light will keep condensation from forming on the inside of the burner tray area which will prevent early rusting out of the heater.

Also because the water will be just slightly warm it will not condense and drip onto floor when you return and raise the temp to normal setting.

I'll always set at lowest temp for a few weeks but months might be wise to shut the gas off altogether. Your provider should accomodate but a cresant wrench will do it too...Only if you are familiar with the natural gas or LP valves and their proper operation (maybe a service call to a plumber will help!) Best 2U and enjoy the trip! JL

For such a long time, I would not only turn it off, but turn off the water and drain it too. If the house develops a plumbing leak while you are gone, it gets real bad if the water is still on.

hi Kathleen, i would also shut the water main off on the house as i am in the plumbing business and many times a leak develops and floods the home and nobody is there to know. if there is no need for water shuy it off to be safe.

5 months in PA...I would shut the Whole house down...that will be winter and freezing pipe...etc = not so good. Another option is a long tern "house sitter" This works for more than just keeping the utilities up and running...a vacant house for 5 months is potential for break-ins etc.

Kathleen- Being from PA myself, I have seen pipes burst during the winter months. So, if you are considering turning the unit off, make sure you drain the lines so that they dont expand and burst during a cold snap. You could also shut the water off to the house all together. Messing with pilot lights is always tricky. If you do decide to extinguish it, make sure you have a trained professional re-light it when you return. GOOD LUCK and have a good trip!