Heating Empty Water Heater

SNOPRO711X wrote:
I have the same problem, no operation on electric, works ok on gas. Where is the element?

Thanks

Which Brand/Model?

Atwood...rear of tank under cover (inside rv)
Suburban...outside compartment under gas valve

j-d wrote:
Respectfully suggest checking it in GAS operation before changing the AC element. The Gas Valve has a "One Time ECO" (Energy Cut Off). There's a thermal link in the sensing part of the Gas Valve. Part that pokes into the water tank to determine water temperature and cycle the gas flame. Hopefully the electric element burned out before it got the empty tank hot enough to open the One Time ECO in the Gas Valve.
If it heats water on GAS, that $100+ thermostat is still OK and replacing an inexpensive element should get you running again. If it needs BOTH, you may want to consider your options, particularly if you hire somebody to work on it.

That would be IF OP has a pilot flame water heater.....ECO is part of gas valve.

BUT if it is a DSI (Spark Electrode with circuit board) then not an issue.

OP.....say electric element was on with tank empty but you let tank cool down before adding water.
WAS tank actually warm or you just took precaution about letting tank cool????

Atwood does use a clad electric element that can run dry a little longer than normal elements but not for 12 hrs.

You tried reset (didn't work) so you have an other model Atwood (prior to 2004) because the reset is part of t-stats on rear of tank where element is.
Plan on element being burnt out.

Does gas side work....it has it's own set of t-stats and control?

I have the same problem, no operation on electric, works ok on gas. Where is the element?

Thanks

Respectfully suggest checking it in GAS operation before changing the AC element. The Gas Valve has a "One Time ECO" (Energy Cut Off). There's a thermal link in the sensing part of the Gas Valve. Part that pokes into the water tank to determine water temperature and cycle the gas flame. Hopefully the electric element burned out before it got the empty tank hot enough to open the One Time ECO in the Gas Valve.
If it heats water on GAS, that $100+ thermostat is still OK and replacing an inexpensive element should get you running again. If it needs BOTH, you may want to consider your options, particularly if you hire somebody to work on it.

Buy 2, then you will be prepared the next time.:h

I had to replace my element after doing what you've done. Luckily they're cheap.

It quit working on electricity just a few minutes after you turned it on. Ask me how I know.

Bet it will still work on gas

Yup, they don't last long with no water....