Water heater

[dcarlyle]

Hello,
We just picked up our new winterized ACE 30.1 and noticed the LP switch was on when we got home. With no water in the tank, do I need to be concerned about any damage?

Thanks,
Don

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by dcarlyle

Hello,
We just picked up our new winterized ACE 30.1 and noticed the LP switch was on when we got home. With no water in the tank, do I need to be concerned about any damage?

Thanks,
Don

Don

If the LP gas was turned off at the tank I would be concerned about the electronic igniter failing.

With that said, some water heaters have a lockout feature that has to be reset if the LP side fails to ignite after three attempts. I'm not sure how this feature operates and need to do some additional research on the issue.

[dcarlyle]

Hi Dave,
The LP Tank valve was on.

[EA37TS]

On the LP side shouldn't be a problem. Question, if the unit was winterized did you get to check the water system for leaks or other issues during the PDI?

[dcarlyle]

We ran water through the sinks and flushed the toilet. After that, I checked under sinks and most fittings that I could see, including the bypass at the water heater. On the water heater, will it heat with no water in it or does it sense "no water" and not ignite?

[09 Challenger]

Originally Posted by dcarlyle

We ran water through the sinks and flushed the toilet. After that, I checked under sinks and most fittings that I could see, including the bypass at the water heater. On the water heater, will it heat with no water in it or does it sense "no water" and not ignite?

If propane was on system will light are you sure they drained the h/w tank

[dcarlyle]

Hi and yes, they drained the tank.

[bevedfelker]

Want to be sure I understand what you are asking. When you say LP switch you are talking about the switch on the control panel that lets you select propane operation for the water heater?

A general warning is to never have the hot water heater on with no water in the tank. So I'm assuming the water heater switch for gas was what was left on. I'm also assuming you have a water heater switch for electric as well but that switch was not on. Was the propane bottle valve open so that propane would flow through the system? Was the battery disconnect switch in STORE?

If the battery switch was in USE then the DC portion of the electrical system was operational. With the water heater gas (LP) switch on the water heater would try to light. If the propane valve was closed after a few sttemts to light the water heater and failing to light because of no propane, the igniter would quit. My sense is that would cause no harm. If the bottle was on I suspect it would have used all your propane. In that case you need to have the water heater checked to be sure it wasn't damaged.

[dcarlyle]

Hi Ed and Bev,
Yes, the switch on the control panel for LP was on and electric was off.
Propane valve was on and battery switch in "use" position.
We did go through some propane because we had the furnace on for awhile but still have over half tank(was full).
Sounds like we possibly could have some issues, what are some of the problems we could face? I did call the dealer this morning to let them know.

Thanks for your help,
Don

[bevedfelker]

Don -- I think the big problem is if it were on electric. Without water there is a good chance the electric element could burn out. In propane I'm not sure. The tank liner would get pretty hot though without water and could possibly crack. Check your water heater manuf literature. There should be a phone number for their customer service. You might give them a call and ask.

[dcarlyle]

Good evening,
I finally de winterized today so I could check the hot water heater. All seems fine, both propane and electric. One thing I noticed when on propane is that the flame sounded noisy and inconsistent, sort of flickering. Is this normal? Should the sound be more consistent(like the furnace)? It was not windy today if that has any input.

Thanks in advance,

Don