Water Heater

[richie t]

Hi, Was wondering if I can turn on hot water heater during temps in the 30's? 5th wheel hasn't been winterized yet. Water line not connected. If there's water in hot water tank will it do any damage? My goal is not to have water freeze when it gets in the low 30's. Thanks.

[JFlightRisk]

One or two cold nights won't hurt it. It would have to get and stay below freezing to get to the water in the heater. You would be OK to fire it up for a cycle, but I wouldn't leave the heater on for a long stretch without water hooked up. Although not in a warm place, the plumbing is somewhat shielded from direct cold.

[Sundancer330]

I would be more worried about the water lines, they will freeze much faster than the water tank. I would at least open the low point drains and open every faucet so it drains as much as possible for now, the HWT open the drain plug to get most of the water out and then winterize it asap.