Frozen hot water tank
So I had to fly down to Seattle and though I emptied my water tank I forgot to empty the Hot water tank. I didn't have time to put antifreeze in the system. It had been in the 40's and the weather w...
Forum Discussion
You keep using the term 'freeze plug' so I am going to assume you are talking about the 'nylon' plug in the 'drain hole' of the water heater tank???
If so then you have an Atwood aluminum tank.
The propane combustion/exhaust 'U' tube is diagonal ----goes from bottom right to top left diagonally across tank
Turning on and using the propane will provide cross-sectional heating and will quickly melt the ice W/O harm to tank.
If tank is harmed it is because of the expansion of the water when it froze.
Melting the ice will let you know IF harm has been done. Using the propane will not be an issue.
Caveat: although the cross-section 'U' tube will distribute the heat more evenly within the tank, the t-stat for heat cycle control is against the tank wall and will take more time to sense the warming then normal so 10 minute heating then off for 5 minutes then back on for 10 etc.
This will provide heat throughout tank w/o overheating. Won't take but a few heat cycles to complete.
IF you have a SUBURBAN.....no heat---electric or propane due to the glass-lining. It will CRACK due to any rapid change in internal temps.
Let it melt 'naturally'
If so then you have an Atwood aluminum tank.
The propane combustion/exhaust 'U' tube is diagonal ----goes from bottom right to top left diagonally across tank
Turning on and using the propane will provide cross-sectional heating and will quickly melt the ice W/O harm to tank.
If tank is harmed it is because of the expansion of the water when it froze.
Melting the ice will let you know IF harm has been done. Using the propane will not be an issue.
Caveat: although the cross-section 'U' tube will distribute the heat more evenly within the tank, the t-stat for heat cycle control is against the tank wall and will take more time to sense the warming then normal so 10 minute heating then off for 5 minutes then back on for 10 etc.
This will provide heat throughout tank w/o overheating. Won't take but a few heat cycles to complete.
IF you have a SUBURBAN.....no heat---electric or propane due to the glass-lining. It will CRACK due to any rapid change in internal temps.
Let it melt 'naturally'
