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Rvfamoffour's avatar
Rvfamoffour
Explorer
Dec 25, 2020

No hot water during a freeze

We are camping and had a freeze last night that is ongoing. We woke up this morning to all of our hot water faucets not working. Our cold water flows but not the hot water. Nothing comes out. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Well water that has need heated and has cooled will freeze quicker than cold.
    Where are your low point drains? Mine hang down about 3” below the floor and a I protect them with an outdoor faucet cap.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    J&R wrote:
    Hot water will freeze before cold water.


    That is a myth

    There are several possible answers #1 with an ice cube is the water line to or from the heater is frozen. Heater is likely OK but a line is froze.

    Open cabinet and drawers near water lines. Remove the back side (indoor) acess panel to the water heater and let it thaw.


    Alternate posibilities are coinvidenve and we will skip them for now.
  • Is the water heater tank full of water???
    Is it HOT????

    Is the Cold Inlet to water heater in an area that could freeze???

    Could be cold inlet
    Could be Hot Out CHECK Valve Failed


    What Year/Brand/Model of an RV is this??????
  • J&R wrote:
    Hot water will freeze before cold water.


    Old trick question - water that has been boiled, and allowed to cool will freeze quicker than cold water.
  • I was thinking he was south but reminded me of the kerosene heater we had in Miami a few years ago.
  • I would assume it is the cold water pipe that feeds the water heater. This will run from the pump or inlet to the water heater. If you are using the inlet, try the pump. If you are using the pump try the inlet. You need to somehow defrost this connection. Skirting around the base of the RV might help. Use the furnace instead of space heaters. And turn the heat up a bit. Or head south.

    What is the forecast high and low for the next few days?
  • Frozen water line or something lodged loose by the cold and blocking water line.

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