cold temps and water heater?

[freewayrandy]

How cold and for how long before you think about draining your water heater? Been having temps in low 20's from sundown to sun up and getting concerned.

[ford_truck_guy]

I drain my water heater IF I am not going to use the RV in the next 2 - 3 weeks....

[2oldman]

I'd just keep the WH on. Also a 55F furnace setting. Pipes are at a much greater risk than a water heater.

[Lwiddis]

IMO a water heater that is not being used should be drained regardless of temperature.

[way2roll]

If you have been having sustained temps in the low 20's F, then it may already be too late. It takes one gallon of water 4 hours to freeze at 32 degrees and expands 9%. Have you already drained the rest of the system? Pipes, pumps, strainers, unions and fixtures will crack first.

If your plan is to fire it up, I would wait around a while to look for leaks. You may end up thawing it, revealing a leak and subsequently heating air if left alone.

[pianotuna]

freewayrandy wrote:
Not using it now but will end of next month. Forcast shows lows coming up to around 35 in the next few days. May just turn it on for a few days.

Drain

Blow the lines

install antifreeze

Hope that there has not already been damage.

[freewayrandy]

Not using it now but will end of next month. Forcast shows lows coming up to around 35 in the next few days. May just turn it on for a few days.

[2oldman]

are you using it?

[pianotuna]

-5 c = 23 f.

[joebedford]

-5C

[time2roll]

A week ago. Or fire it up.

[dougrainer]

My answer to customers has always been----If it is below 32 degrees, take precautions and drain. There is NO WAY anybody can give a definite answer to your question about how low and how long freezing temps before damage happens. IF you have the Water Heater in use(LP or 120), then I would not worry. That is 140 degree water. But, as I also tell customers, if in storage, what happens if the Power goes out or your LP system malfunctions. Doug

[wildtoad]

If you’re not using your wh drain it. Perhaps your manual says just that.

[CarnationSailor]

Any predicted temp at or below 35 and I drain it unless, of course, I am using it.