It is not ideal, but the RV water heater will freeze if it is full with water and isn’t turned on constantly.
Before traveling in the winter, winterize your RV to avoid this issue.
The RV water heater and pipes often begin to freeze after 24 hours below the freezing threshold (32 F).
Since you know how much your life relies on your water heater—from bathing in the winter to washing dishes—we understand how disgusted you could feel if it freezes.
Let’s talk about some typical problems that arise when an RV water heater freezes, how to avoid it, and then how to handle a frozen water heater.
How Can You Tell If The Water Heater Is Frozen?
Here are some telltale signs that can let you know whether your water heater is indeed frozen or not.
- The first thing you’ll notice is that there isn’t as much water flowing out as there once was. This indicates that some of the water has frozen where it was preventing the pressure from penetrating.
- If you see an icy buildup on the heater’s body.
- It is general knowledge that frozen pipes may make noises like pounding, clanging, and gurgling.
- Another indication of a frozen water heater is any form of damage, such as fractures, that has developed on the body of the tank or the pipes as a result of the pressure created by the freezing water.
If any of the aforementioned indications are present, you should call a plumber for assistance.
It is advisable to avoid using your water heater if it is frozen until it has been repaired completely.
After The Water Heater Freezes, Issues Arise.
Here, we go from a state of ease to one of intense discomfort! You’ll initially experience pain when taking a bath, cleaning dishes, and doing other tasks when the RV water heater freezes.
The frozen water within the heater may potentially result in internal and external damage to the whole water heating system, including broken pipes, which will cost you money to repair.
Sometimes the damage is irreversible, resulting in even greater financial loss.
You must thus plan ahead for the urgent scenarios and have your RV ready for them.
This is true not only in the winter but also in the summer.
How Can I Prevent The Water Heater In My RV From Freezing?
For instructions on using spray foam to insulate your RV water heater, see the video starting at 4:51.
Maintain the RV temperature: This is more useful when your freshwater lines go down the body of the RV rather than the underbelly.
By reducing the freezing impact within the water lines, keeping the inside warm may be helpful in this circumstance.
Winterize your RV: Winterizing your RV is necessary whether or not you have a water heater since it guarantees that the pipes within your RV won’t freeze and prevents tanks from cracking.
So, yes, you must winterize your RV if you camp over the winter.
You may discover local specialists for this specific reason, or you can do it yourself by following this video.
Using a tank heating pad: The heating pad is made up of a number of minute electric resistors that provide a modest amount of heat to keep the water from freezing.
It is best to get a pad with a thermostat so you can adjust the temperature when it is colder outside, which is often at night during the winter, and when it is warmer outside, which is typically in the morning.
For individuals who reside in an area where the projected temperature may go below 32 degrees but not below zero, this will be a life-saving present.
Is It Harmful If An RV Water Heater Runs Without Any Water?
Running an RV water heater without water is bad and not recommended because the overheating and quick cooling can harm the tank’s fittings.
Additionally, doing so plainly requires a constant supply of electricity, a waste of energy that might be utilized to power other equipment.
You may be asking this question because you are concerned that your water heater will freeze during the winter.
There is no need to be concerned since the heater won’t freeze if there is no water inside.
Just a little amount will freeze since there could be some water on the tank’s liner that will eventually melt once the heater is turned on.
