The invention discloses a control method for a water heater. The method comprises the steps that S1, under the normal running state of the water heater, whether the continuous unused time of the water heater reaches the preset time N or not is detected, and if the continuous unused time of the water heater reaches the preset time N, the holiday taking function is started, the water heater is controlled to get into the standby operation state; and S2, in the starting process of the holiday taking function, whether the water heater is used or not is detected, if the water heater is used, the holiday taking function is omitted, and the water heater is controlled to get into the normal operation state. By means of the control method for the water heater, when a user goes out for a long time and forgets to start the holiday taking function, the holiday taking function of the water heater is automatically started, and unnecessary energy consumption is avoided; when the user comes back and forgets to cancel the holiday taking function, the holiday taking function is automatically started, and the user can get hot water in time, so that the water heater is rapider and more convenient to use, intelligent and environment-friendly; and the user can use the water heater at ease in a worry-saving manner.