So I am a total idiot

[a-d-s]

No harm done, but I thought I would share by d'oh moment. On my hot water heater, I needed to replace the element so I removed the plastic shroud and the element. While I had that open I decided to give it a good flush. Of course a bunch of calcified bits come out and I hosed those away from the outside of the heater tray. Went inside and for some reason decided to have a look at the heater from the inside and saw a pool of water all around. Of course my first thought is that the tank is cracked and I am going to be replacing it. After I cleaned up the water (which didn't make it's way far) and searched online how much new tanks cost, I went back outside and looked at it from the outside and saw my mistake - with the plastic should removed from the heating element, I was spraying water directly inside the trailer!!! D'oh!

Anyway, no harm and now I don't have to replace my tank. Just feel stupid!

[CavemanCharlie]

I once flooded about half the trailer. Your moment is nothing. We all make mistakes. I wish I was as smart as you and have caught my mistake sooner.

[brirene]

That's pretty much my normal. :R You'll have to do better to achieve total idiocy to my level. 😉

[toedtoes]

I don't see that as a "d'oh" moment but rather a "YES!" moment. I'd far rather a potential water issue be due to my spraying water into the RV than anything else. 🙂

[L2R]

In my 20's, when I knew almost everything, I was proud to DIY and learn on my own.

Until I read the famous statement, "He who is self taught has a fool for his master".

That really hit home and a major reason why I read forums for information.

[Lynnmor]

Many trailers are not sealed between the water heater and the cover. When folks flush their tanks, the wall absorbs some water. It is best to caulk that area.
I drain my heater by opening the low point drains and the relief valve. This nearly empties the tank but it may not work with all trailers. Then I remove the anode or drain plug and quickly screw in a plastic nipple that is long enough to reach outside. I made a wand long enough to use with the nipple.

[Helimech]

It's good to learn from your mistakes, It's better to learn from others mistakes. Thanks for sharing

[Dakota98]

Really .........., & you thought you were alone in all this ?

[RVcircus]

If we didn't make mistakes we wouldn't have any good stories to tell. I have plenty of stories:S

[BubbaChris]

I did a similar doh-move yesterday while getting the anti-freeze out of my outdoor shower. I have a fan running inside today to circulate the air from that cabinet and where the water heater is.

[chevyman2]

a-d-s, if that is the "dumbest" thing you ever do, You will go down as (at least one of) the worlds smartest men. Dont feel bad buddy. As mentioned, we have all pulled a stunt like that before.

[Dog_Folks]

Join the club, and welcome.

[scbwr]

Anyone that does a lot of their own maintenance or DYS projects has at least one comparable story to tell. So, at least you didn't buy and install a new one before you figured it out!! Have a cold one and enjoy!