Oy! Water heater problem...

[Craig.Evans]

For some unknown reason, I flipped on the switch for my winterized water heater while I was preparing our Roadtrek for our trip south and walked out of the van.
When I came back, I noticed the switch in the on position with no indicator light showing. I immediately turned it off, and seeing the light was labelled 'reset', I tried to push it, slide it, whatever, to remedy- with no results. I next checked the fuses, which seemed fine.
Next I referred to the manual.
The first safety warning notes it is IMPERATIVE that the water heater be filled or may result in damage.

Does anyone know what I may be looking at for repairs? Mine is a Suburban SW6D series

Thanks in advance

[jrobe]

If you burned out the electric heating element, they are easy to replace.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A1Z03B87ZP7KU9

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[avanti]

Quite likely just a thermal fuse or a failed thermostat. Very easy job. Debug with a voltmeter.

[Craig.Evans]

I was able to get a reset on the back of the heater to reset. Whew! maybe I dodged a bullet on that one. Once we get out of this polar vortex I'll have to check it out pressurized with water. I hope I'm not looking for service in Texas!

Thanks for all your help!

[<<B-Guy>>]

Not that I would recommend doing it, but some of the newer model HW heaters actually state in the instructions that they CAN be run dry without damage.

The Atwood 6gal. HW heater in our 2005 Airstream trailer has such wording in its manual.

I have in fact had it switched on inadvertently for quite a few hours at least once when the tank was still bypassed from winterisation and empty. Thankfully no damage was done.

Brian.

[avanti]

UL approval requires that any such operation will not be dangerous. Whether dong it trips some sacrificial safety device is another matter.