Water heater

**granovskyshannon** · 05-10-2021, 02:13 PM

If the gas gets turned on to the water heat for about 30 mins and there is no water in the tank What damage will it cause? We own a grand design Reflection 150 series fifth wheel 295rl

**AZMike** · 05-10-2021, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by granovskyshannon

If the gas gets turned on to the water heat for about 30 mins and there is no water in the tank What damage will it cause? We own a grand design Reflection 150 series fifth wheel 295rl

Not positive, but my guess is new water heater time. It's possible there is a thermal safety that will trip before it gets too hot.

**NB Canada** · 05-10-2021, 02:58 PM

2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

**Ynot4me2** · 05-10-2021, 05:12 PM

I say fill her up and give it a shot. Troubleshoot the gas side and then the electric side. Does the gas fire up? Is the thermal fuse OK? What is the ohm reading of the element? Damage might be minimal.

**Bungy** · 05-10-2021, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by granovskyshannon

If the gas gets turned on to the water heat for about 30 mins and there is no water in the tank What damage will it cause? We own a grand design Reflection 150 series fifth wheel 295rl

I think you’ll be fine, if it was the electric you’d be needing a new element.

And PS, glad you called it a water heater, not a hot water heater!

**Redapple63** · 05-11-2021, 01:23 PM

I think what will happen is either the gas or electric will heat up the tank. Depending on how long this happens, expansion happens and things may get overheated causing damage. The water in the tank is the equalizer.

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**orbiker** · 05-11-2021, 10:24 PM

Maybe
maybe not

Let us know if you are lucky or not.

KEN

**dryfly** · 05-12-2021, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Redapple63

I think what will happen is either the gas or electric will heat up the tank. Depending on how long this happens, expansion happens and things may get overheated causing damage. The water in the tank is the equalizer.

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I don't think electric mode will heat up an empty tank. The element will self-destruct very quickly without the cooling effect of water.
I too have wondered about gas mode. It would seem that the thermostat would read the heat level and shut off the burner. It would be interesting to know if damage to the tank would occur before this happened.