I found a hot water tank switch and I have water in the holding tank. Before I turn it on, how do I know if there is water in the tank? I have read that the electic element dislikes empty tanks. I have searched the piping for valves to turn on...found many but don't know what any are for or how to tell on from off. I know its impossible to tell me what to do online without seeing it but any hints would be appreciated.
Speedhitch said
07:24 AM May 17, 2007
If you are using the fresh water in your holding tank you need to turn your water pump on. Turn the hot side of your kitchen sink on and see if water comes out. If it comes out in a steady stream with no air your hot water heater is full of water. You can now turn on your electric.
igotjam said
07:31 AM May 17, 2007
Thanks...common sense...now why didn't I think of that
Workinrvers said
07:46 AM May 17, 2007
You will also want to make sure that the water heater bypass (used for winterizing the rig) is turned off. You can still get a normal flow of water from the hot side of the faucets when the heater bypass is on but no water will go into the heater tank. On my rig the water heater bypass is near the city water inlet and is a small valve you turn. Your's may be similier.
Phil
blijil said
07:57 AM May 17, 2007
There is a little more that you might want to check. There is normally a by-pass valve behind or around the hot water heater that allows you to winterize the water system without putting the pink antifreeze in the hot water heater which should be drained only to winterize. The valve is usually a 3 way with the handle pointing to the line where the water goes if installed properly. If it points to the line leading to the bottom of the water tank you are set up to fill with water and use normally, if not it is still set in winterize mode to keep the pink stuff out of the hot water heater.
Unfortunately the kitchen hot water line will flow with the pump on with the by pass valve in either position. We usually push the mechanical relief valve on the hot water tank and pump until the water comes out. Then there is no doubt the lines are correct and the tank is full.
Fulltimers don't have to worry about this but those of us who still winterize on occasion have to be a bit more careful.
That's our 2 cents worth. Larry and Jacki
igotjam said
08:20 AM May 17, 2007
OK..I'll try to find the tank (I know its in there somewhere) and figure out which one of the 12-15 visible valves might be the bypass. Wish me luck...
igotjam said
07:30 AM May 18, 2007
Thanks for the help..It works....Took a while but I found a valve that I thought might be the one and turned it. Water stopped coming out the hot top replaced by air. (hot tank filing) Eventually more water so I turned the heat on...an hour later hot water. After having the pump on for an hour did find a piping leak though so a wet basement and insulation. Now I need a plumber.........how boring life would be without challenge.....Thanx again for your help & encouragement.
Workinrvers said
08:09 AM May 18, 2007
Good to hear you got it working. Sorry to hear you have a leak. One thing for sure about owning an RV is if it's not one thing it's another, as you are finding out. That said, I wouldn't give up RVing for anything !! Don't let the leak get you down, just keep smiling and thinking of all your adventures to come.
Speedhitch said
05:10 PM May 18, 2007
Hey your fulltiming! Fulltiming keeping up your rig. That's part of the deal. We all have to keep an eye on things fulltime. You will never be without something to do.
Joe
I found a hot water tank switch and I have water in the holding tank. Before I turn it on, how do I know if there is water in the tank? I have read that the electic element dislikes empty tanks. I have searched the piping for valves to turn on...found many but don't know what any are for or how to tell on from off. I know its impossible to tell me what to do online without seeing it but any hints would be appreciated.
You will also want to make sure that the water heater bypass (used for winterizing the rig) is turned off. You can still get a normal flow of water from the hot side of the faucets when the heater bypass is on but no water will go into the heater tank. On my rig the water heater bypass is near the city water inlet and is a small valve you turn. Your's may be similier.
Phil
Unfortunately the kitchen hot water line will flow with the pump on with the by pass valve in either position. We usually push the mechanical relief valve on the hot water tank and pump until the water comes out. Then there is no doubt the lines are correct and the tank is full.
Fulltimers don't have to worry about this but those of us who still winterize on occasion have to be a bit more careful.
That's our 2 cents worth.
Larry and Jacki