Left Water Heater on While Driving

[MsCraftT]

I just left my campsite and forgot to turn my water heater off. Will I have problems with it next time I camp. I don't usually do this. I'm hoping there was some water in it, left over from camping. Would I have smelled something burning if there was no water in it?

[thib2722]

All you did was burn up a little propane. No issues... I only drain mine when it has been sitting a while and during the winter to prevent freezing. Otherwise, why go through all that trouble? It's not like I'm going to drink the hot water anyway.

It does help to drain it occasionally. I like to flush mine about twice a year. It helps the sediment get washed out. Plus, some units use an anode rod. Those need to be checked a few times a year. Replace when it looks mostly eaten away.

[skipnchar]

Not sure why you'd drain the water heater but if you did you MAY indeed have problems with it. They don't like to be dry and turned on. I drain the water heater ONLY if I winterize the trailer.

[MsCraftT]

Yes I do have a checklist. However this is one of the items I thought my husband turned off and he thought I did. I will definitely remember to do it next. Thanks again.

[nevadanick]

I never turn off the water heater or fridge when traveling.

[WoodGlue]

Do you have a "breaking camp" RV checklist?

There are several on Apple & Google Play and also some printable versions available here in the FAQ section.

That might help you to not forget something else later too!

Some RV Checklists

WoodGlue

[naturist]

MsCraftT wrote:
That's good to hear. I did not drain the water heater, just dumped my black and grey tanks. Thanks for all you answers, I was worried.

Ah, then you are golden. But don't do it again (it'll waste a fair amount of propane).

[MsCraftT]

That's good to hear. I did not drain the water heater, just dumped my black and grey tanks. Thanks for all you answers, I was worried.

[6_7_tow_rig]

No its fine, just make sure there is water in it when you plug electric back in. If it was left on gas it will continue to try to light the igniter off battery power also.

[enblethen]

Probably have no problem.
Water heater may have blown out, means nothing.
Water kept hot with occaisonal ignition, means nothing.
Only problem could occur if no water in tank. Could have blown thermal fuse, would need replaced or opened thermal cutout or thermostat that means nothing.

[Old-Biscuit]

Did you drain water heater?

The water heater stays full until you drain it.
Even if you left a faucet open it wouldn't drain tank unless you left a low point drain open.