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 was suppose to stay there. Of course it didn't. It dropped to 22 degrees for 3 days prior to my arrival back. I plugged in the camper and warmed it up and all the water lines were fine. I pulled out the freeze plug in the hot water tank and could see the ice. What I need is an idea how to safely melt the ice in the tank. I thought of turning on the hot water tank but was afraid that would damage it. Any ideas?

Slowest but safest would be a hair dryer or light bulbTo turn it on would be harmful

popeyemth wrote:Slowest but safest would be a hair dryer or light bulbTo turn it on would be harmfulYes. If you can, put something under it to catch any leaks. Leave it open so water can drain out.

I think the problem is that the tanks are pretty insulated so heating from the outside isn't going to be very effective. I'd turn on the water heater. Frozen water will shrink when it melts. I can't think of a reason why heating it will hurt.

I'd turn on the propane, but definitely not the electric on the water heater. You can control the flame, turning it on a few moments and then turning it off. Although, it probably would not hurt anything to just flip on the gas and let it go. That' what I'd do. Be prepared for a leak though. Hopefully, you had a large enough air pocket at the top of the tank for ice expansion and nothing was hurt.Attempting to melt the ice from the outside of the water heater by applying heat will not be very effective. As state above, the heater is insulated too well.

I would also say use the gas a little at a time or stick a plumbers torch in the drain hole.

Frozen hot water tank | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Nov 23, 2016
Done is done just leave the plug out and cover with a rag to keep any bugs out.
Will melt in the Spring or maybe sooner if you get a heat wave.

If you are going to put back in service now I would fire up the propane not the electric.
K_Charles
Explorer
Nov 23, 2016
I would also say use the gas a little at a time or stick a plumbers torch in the drain hole.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Nov 22, 2016
I'd turn on the propane, but definitely not the electric on the water heater. You can control the flame, turning it on a few moments and then turning it off. Although, it probably would not hurt anything to just flip on the gas and let it go.

That' what I'd do. Be prepared for a leak though. Hopefully, you had a large enough air pocket at the top of the tank for ice expansion and nothing was hurt.

Attempting to melt the ice from the outside of the water heater by applying heat will not be very effective. As state above, the heater is insulated too well.
jimh406
Explorer III
Nov 22, 2016
I think the problem is that the tanks are pretty insulated so heating from the outside isn't going to be very effective.

I'd turn on the water heater. Frozen water will shrink when it melts. I can't think of a reason why heating it will hurt.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2016
popeyemth wrote:
Slowest but safest would be a hair dryer or light bulb
To turn it on would be harmful

Yes.

If you can, put something under it to catch any leaks. Leave it open so water can drain out.
popeyemth
Explorer
Nov 22, 2016
Slowest but safest would be a hair dryer or light bulb
To turn it on would be harmful

Forum Discussion

Frozen hot water tank

16 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Water tank won't fill

Frozen fresh water tank

No flow from hot water tank Nautilus P1 system

Grey water tank won't drain completely

Frozen levelers