Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 31, 2017

Should I be emptying my hot water heater?

Should I be emptying my hot water heater after each trip? (We're weekenders -- one or two trips each month.)

I haven't been, but now I'm starting to think I should. Will it hurt anything to have the tank sit full, for a few weeks at a time?

If I should empty it each time, just remove the plastic drain plug, right?

44 Replies

janstey58
Explorer
May 31, 2017
I do use well water, and if it sits for about 2 weeks its develops a eggy smell that the DW doesn't care for, so we just camp more! :)
NanciL
Explorer II
May 31, 2017
If you leave it full for any length of time it will turn rancid and stink the first time you use it until the six gallons is replaced, but leaving it full for a couple of weeks is fine.

jack l
Trackrig
Explorer II
May 31, 2017
No, mine is only emptied when we winterize. If you forget to refill it and someone turns it on you'll loose the electrical heating element in about a minute.

Bill
2oldman
Explorer II
May 31, 2017
No, you don't need to empty your water heater.