pe wrote:

Hi all: Earlier this year, we had a new Bradford White 50 gal. gas water
heater installed in our home. Recently we went on a 2 week vacation and
turned the thermostat down to the "Vacation" setting before we left. On our
return, and before turning the thermostat back to its normal hot setting, we
had occasion to turn on the hot water faucets in the house and discovered,
to our surprise, that the water came out just as hot as when the thermostat
is set to its normal hot setting. The plumber who installed the unit
checked out the thermostat and thinks its working properly. If the water in
the tank is hot after two weeks with the thermostat set to "Vacation", does
that suggest there's a malfunction in the thermostat or elsewhere in the
appliance? And if the purpose of the "Vacation" setting is to prevent the
unit from firing and is working properly, what kept the water hot for two
weeks? Thanks for your replies! PE


I don't think Vacation guarantees it won't fire; just lowers the setting.

To keep it from firing, turn the small knob to "PILOT".
That will keep the pilot lit, but prevent the main valve from opening.

Jim