Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Filling the Hot Water Tank
Post Info TOPIC: Filling the Hot Water Tank
igotjam


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 461
Date:
Filling the Hot Water Tank
Permalink  

SEE Canadian Newbie under "Introduce Yourself"

I found a hot water tank switch and I have water in the holding tank.  Before I turn it on, how do I know if there is water in the tank?  I have read that the electic element dislikes empty tanks.  I have searched the piping for valves to turn on...found many but don't know what any are for or how to tell on from off.  I know its impossible to tell me what to do online without seeing it but any hints would be appreciated.

__________________
Speedhitch


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1043
Date:
Permalink  

If you are using the fresh water in your holding tank you need to turn your water pump on. Turn the hot side of your kitchen sink on and see if water comes out. If it comes out in a steady stream with no air your hot water heater is full of water. You can now turn on your electric. 

__________________

 

Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
igotjam


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 461
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks...common sense...now why didn't I think of that

__________________
Workinrvers


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 519
Date:
Permalink  

You will also want to make sure that the water heater bypass (used for winterizing the rig) is turned off. You can still get a normal flow of water from the hot side of the faucets when the heater bypass is on but no water will go into the heater tank.  On my rig the water heater bypass is near the city water inlet and is a small valve you turn. Your's may be similier.

Phil



__________________

Phil and Rudee
http://workinrvers.blogspot.com
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
2007 Dodge Dakota
2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
blijil


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 284
Date:
Permalink  

There is a little more that you might want to check.  There is normally a by-pass valve behind or around the hot water heater that allows you to winterize the water system without putting the pink antifreeze in the hot water heater which should be drained only to winterize.  The valve is usually a 3 way with the handle pointing to the line where the water goes if installed properly.  If it points to the line leading to the bottom of the water tank you are set up to fill with water and use normally, if not it is still set in winterize mode to keep the pink stuff out of the hot water heater.

Unfortunately the kitchen hot water line will flow with the pump on with the by pass valve in either position.  We usually push the mechanical relief valve on the hot water tank and pump until the water comes out.  Then there is no doubt the lines are correct and the tank is full.

Fulltimers don't have to worry about this but those of us who still winterize on occasion have to be a bit more careful.

That's our 2 cents worth.
Larry and Jacki

__________________

Larry and Jacki-belle Linley with Taiga our minature dachsund - 2011 34 ft Montana towed by a 2014 Silverado Durmax Allison 4x4.
igotjam


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 461
Date:
Permalink  

OK..I'll try to find the tank (I know its in there somewhere) and figure out which one of the 12-15 visible valves might be the bypass. Wish me luck...

__________________
igotjam


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 461
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks for the help..It works....Took a while but I found a valve that I thought might be the one and turned it. Water stopped coming out the hot top replaced by air. (hot tank filing) Eventually more water so I turned the heat on...an hour later hot water. After having the pump on for an hour did find a piping leak though so a wet basement and insulation. Now I need a plumber.........how boring life would be without challenge.....Thanx again for your help & encouragement.

__________________
Workinrvers


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 519
Date:
Permalink  

Good to hear you got it working. Sorry to hear you have a leak. One thing for sure about owning an RV is if it's not one thing it's another, as you are finding out. That said, I wouldn't give up RVing for anything !! Don't let the leak get you down, just keep smiling and thinking of all your adventures to come. smile

__________________

Phil and Rudee
http://workinrvers.blogspot.com
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
2007 Dodge Dakota
2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
Speedhitch


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1043
Date:
Permalink  

Hey your fulltiming! Fulltiming keeping up your rig. That's part of the deal. We all have to keep an eye on things fulltime. You will never be without something to do.

Joe

__________________

 

Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Filling the Hot Water Tank
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us