Drain water heater completely or turn it on?

Have a water heater in the bath house. Looking like it’s gonna have some cold temps so I am debating leaving it on (I normally keep it off when not in use) so it keeps heating up the water vs. draining it completely.

On the one hand if I leave it on and the power goes out, I’m screwed. I do keep a Heater in the bathroom as a back up.

On the other if I cannot get all the water out of the water heater via draining it and it freezes, that’s no bueno either. Low is supposed to be 15* there Tuesday.

What does the brain trust suggest?

You’ll be fine

If we lose power like last time, it could split. But odds are slim, now if it was in the attic, I’d be worried. I don’t think we’re supposed to get any ice, so power should stay on, I think you’ll be ok.

I would let those water lines drip heavy or drain the bath lines if possible.

If you decide to turn it off, leave a faucet dripping on the warm side. Moving water does freeze, but it takes awhile.

When water freezes it stops moving. Slow stream just prolongs the change.

You're forgetting that you are continuously introducing higher temps to the system by letting it drip....

you should drain/clean your hot water heater once a year so why not

I would drain it. That way, if it freezes, there is room for expansion.

Was my thought as well

Drain the water heater.

I drained the water heater in my cabin today The cabin won’t be used until the end of January.