Water heater on, water off?

[Pathman]

So my son left the RV after a weekend of use, turned the water off but left the water heater on (electric setting).
Is this an issue for a few days? There should still be water in the tank no?

[chuckster57]

If there is water in the tank, your all good.

[Pathman]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If there is water in the tank, your all good.

That’s where I’m a bit confused. I’m hooked up to “city water,” so no water in fresh water tank, but I’m not clear on how big the hot water tank is, or how it gets filled.

[chuckster57]

If it’s not “on demand” and your son used hot water while there, there will be water in the tank.

[Pathman]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If it’s not “on demand” and your son used hot water while there, there will be water in the tank.

That’s the thing, I don’t know if it’s on demand, don’t remember reading anything to that effect.

Thanks for your replies Chuck.

[wrvond]

When the city water (or water pump for FW tank) is on, water pressure is supplied to all sinks, shower, toilet and water heater if the water heater is not bypassed. If the water pressure is turned off water will remain in the water lines and water heater tank as long as it isn't drained.
The short answer to your question is, as described, there should be no problem because the water heater electric element was left on and water pressure was turned off.

[dutchmensport]

What make, model, year is your camper. You do not have a signature block set up. If your camper is not relatively new (like 2 years old or less), then chances are you have a gas water heater. Depending on your camper, it could be 6 gallon, 10 gallon, or 12 gallon.

Also, as long as there is water in the water heater covering the electric heating element in the bottom of the tank, you'll have no danger of burning out the electric element. They burn out in just a couple seconds if they are not under water. If they burn out, no damage. You just have to replace with a new electric heating element. (it's aggravating, but nothing else gets damaged).

If you are on gas, the flame will kick on when the water temperature drops. This "could" go on forever! If there is no water in the tank, the gas temperature setting thermostat will burn out, everything shuts down. That's NO fun to figure out and replace.

[RollaMo]

Originally Posted by Pathman

That’s where I’m a bit confused. I’m hooked up to “city water,” so no water in fresh water tank, but I’m not clear on how big the hot water tank is, or how it gets filled.

You don't say what RV you have or what kind of water heater.

Very likely it is just a normal water tank like most RV's.
Some do have the "On Demand" systems though.

Think of your water heater as just like the one you probably have at home, only much smaller. Usually 6 or 10 gallon tanks.

As wrvond mentioned, the tank got filled when water was turned on (either city water or your water pump if using from the fresh water tank).
Once filled, it will remain full until you drain it, even when the water gets shut off.

Even if a pipe were to break, or your low water drains were opened, the water heater tank would still have water in it.
The outlet is at the top of the tank, so it won't drain.
You would need to remove the plug at the bottom of the tank to drain it.
This is something that needs to be done when it comes time to winterize.

[Pathman]

Thanks, that’s what I needed to know.

[Pathman]

My signature block is set up, don’t know why you’re not seeing it.

Thanks for all the replies.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by Pathman

My signature block is set up, don’t know why you’re not seeing it.

Thanks for all the replies.

There are two things that look like signature blocks.

User CP/Edit Your Details is only for the use of the forum.
User CP/Edit Signature is the one that shows up on posts.

Signatures don't show up on the mobile layout at all... but I'm using the desktop layout at the moment and confirm that yours is there now. [Edit]

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Pathman

My signature block is set up, don’t know why you’re not seeing it.

Thanks for all the replies.

Your signature block is showing. Suggest you open up the water heater outside compartment and read the make/model so answers can be more on point. I agree that if your son was using the camper the hot water tank was filled. Is there a switch on your control panel that says electric for the hot water heater?

[Pathman]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Your signature block is showing. Suggest you open up the water heater outside compartment and read the make/model so answers can be more on point. I agree that if your son was using the camper the hot water tank was filled. Is there a switch on your control panel that says electric for the hot water heater?

Thanks. I won’t be back at the RV till Tuesday, I’ll check it out then.
but yes my son was using the hot water so the tank should be full.

[wrvond]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Your signature block is showing. Suggest you open up the water heater outside compartment and read the make/model so answers can be more on point. I agree that if your son was using the camper the hot water tank was filled. Is there a switch on your control panel that says electric for the hot water heater?

It’s going to be a six gallon Suburban with iNCommand.
No mechanical switch.
With iNCommand when you select the water heater it gives you the option to choose gas, electric or electric and gas.
If the OP has his iNCommand connected to internet he should be able to turn the water heater off from home.

[Pathman]

Yes that is the set up I have, but I’m currently not connected to the Incommand through the internet, but I will likely do that to avoid this type of issue in the future.

Thanks guys.