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Old 05-25-2017, 10:22 AM   #1
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Water Heater bypass mode --- HELP!!

AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!! Once AGAIn my hubby has turned on the water heater with NO water in the water heater tank.

I remove the cover plate to the water heater each time I have it in the bypass mode... NO WATER in the water heater tank. And yet almost every time he turns on the water heater and THEN asks if the water heater has water in it!
AAAARRRGGGHHHH "SCREAM"!!!!!

How can I get him to stop turning on the water eater without looking to see if it has water in it first?

Any one have a solution to cover the switches or something when it is in the bypass mode?

Please help!! I really do not want to have to get another water heater.
DESPERATE!!
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:29 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by campnqueen View Post
AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!! Once AGAIn my hubby has turned on the water heater with NO water in the water heater tank.

I remove the cover plate to the water heater each time I have it in the bypass mode... NO WATER in the water heater tank. And yet almost every time he turns on the water heater and THEN asks if the water heater has water in it!
AAAARRRGGGHHHH "SCREAM"!!!!!

How can I get him to stop turning on the water eater without looking to see if it has water in it first?

Any one have a solution to cover the switches or something when it is in the bypass mode?

Please help!! I really do not want to have to get another water heater.
DESPERATE!!
Usually the water heater/WH is on it's own 120 volt AC electric circuit. Just turn off the circuit breaker in the distribution panel to it when winterizing.

That way he would have to turn on the circuit breaker and flip the switch. If he just flips the switch, there is no power to the electric heating element cause the circuit breaker is turned off. Simple. That will keep him from burning out an electric element.

If he turns on the propane side, that's different.



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Old 05-25-2017, 10:39 AM   #3
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wmtire --- DUH! why didn't I think of that? You are awesome! I will make a sign to attach to my bypass cover that says just that.

This way I will remember to flip it when I turn the water heater in the bypass mode to flip the breaker and do the reverse when i fill the water heater.

THANK YOU for your simple help!
(I learn something new every day.)
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Old 05-25-2017, 11:08 AM   #4
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AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!! Once AGAIn my hubby has turned on the water heater with NO water in the water heater tank.

I remove the cover plate to the water heater each time I have it in the bypass mode... NO WATER in the water heater tank. And yet almost every time he turns on the water heater and THEN asks if the water heater has water in it!
AAAARRRGGGHHHH "SCREAM"!!!!!

How can I get him to stop turning on the water eater without looking to see if it has water in it first?

Any one have a solution to cover the switches or something when it is in the bypass mode?

Please help!! I really do not want to have to get another water heater.
DESPERATE!!
Since you seem to have a Major Issue with your other Person turning on the W/H with NO water in the Tank,just Put a "Small Padlock on the round Tab that keeps the Door closed"!You Keep the Key! If he Forces it Open after the Key Install,Call a Lawyer! Like they say "Three Strikes and your Out"! Youroo!!
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Old 05-25-2017, 01:42 PM   #5
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Please help!! I really do not want to have to get another water heater.
DESPERATE!!
You do know that you don't need another water heater, just another heating element, right?
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Old 05-25-2017, 01:55 PM   #6
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A trick that I have used was to cover the water heater breaker is to cover with a piece of masking tape as a reminder. Remove the tape after filling tank and checking. Next trip after coming in, just turn switch off and cover with another piece of tape. A while ago, I forgot to cover the inside breaker switch with tape after bypassing the heater and draining. Flipped the inside panel circuit breaker switch, and after about 5 minutes, I said "oops". But I got lucky and turned off the switch on the outside on water heater after draining. I guess I will have to add this tape on switch to my "to do" list.
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Old 05-25-2017, 01:59 PM   #7
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also.... turn the switch off
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Old 05-25-2017, 02:14 PM   #8
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bikedan -- I think luckily the water heater was on just for a few seconds. HOPEFULLY we are ok. Keep your fingers crossed.
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Old 05-25-2017, 02:26 PM   #9
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bikedan -- I think luckily the water heater was on just for a few seconds. HOPEFULLY we are ok. Keep your fingers crossed.
It only takes seconds....
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Old 05-25-2017, 02:28 PM   #10
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I have have made that mistake in the past, the time it takes to realize that you did it is equal to the time it takes for the heating element to burn up LOL

I just rack it up to us men learn by our mistakes (or 2)
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Old 05-25-2017, 02:32 PM   #11
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Switch on heater, padlock, circuit breaker, close bed against breaker panel cover and ballpeen hammer.
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Old 05-25-2017, 03:25 PM   #12
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Ok so let's sad the electric heating element is cooked.
On a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (pro to do repair it)....
how hard is it to replace an electric heating element?

I am a woman a little smarter than the average bear. ( no smart comments from the peanut gallery!)
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Old 05-25-2017, 03:41 PM   #13
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Not too difficult. Turn power off/propane. You will have to remove part of the gas feed(round tube) disconnect the wires on the electric hex thats under that tube. You will need a big socket and wrench to remove it. I have an RV hand book that does a good job explaining with pictures. This is all off the top of my head. Did that once, learned from my goof!
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Old 05-25-2017, 03:55 PM   #14
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Not difficult. Part may be available at Home Depot or Lowes. Needs 5 minutes work and as much over thinking as you like. Look for step-by-step videos on YouTube.
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Old 05-25-2017, 04:18 PM   #15
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Usually the water heater/WH is on it's own 120 volt AC electric circuit. Just turn off the circuit breaker in the distribution panel to it when winterizing.

That way he would have to turn on the circuit breaker and flip the switch. If he just flips the switch, there is no power to the electric heating element cause the circuit breaker is turned off. Simple. That will keep him from burning out an electric element.

If he turns on the propane side, that's different.
Find the 12V wire that goes to the water heater igniter and disconnect it and/or turn the gas valve at the water heater to the off position.
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Old 05-25-2017, 04:41 PM   #16
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I make a check list at the end of each trip. Anything that needs to be done before the next use and what ever needs to be replaced or added to the MH and tape it to the steering wheel.
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Old 05-25-2017, 05:42 PM   #17
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They sell 2 different heater elements, one is 115 vac and othr4 is 220vac. Your heater is 115 volts. make sure all power is removed before attempting.

Good Luck
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:05 PM   #18
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campnqueen, my mother used to take a wooden spoon to my hand when I messed with something I shouldn't have. It seems you have to do the same.
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:29 PM   #19
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I don't know what model water heater I saw this on, but the water heater electric on-off switch had a small hole through it that you could insert something like a cotter pin through when it was in the off position. so when it is off you insert the cotter pin and when it is inserted it prevents the switch being moved to the on position. also, the electrical wires to the water heater thermostat are attached with terminal lug connectors. I have not done this, but I would think you could remove the rubber cover over the thermostat and remove on of the electrical leads. wouldn't this keep the electric element from getting any power?
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:38 PM   #20
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Suburban water heaters have a hole in the switch for a cotter pin.
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