Water heater how to

I think it's supposed to be a link, but it's not working.

But yes, the water heaters are both gas and electric, and they can do either independently (and both at the same time too for faster heating and recovery times).

Your hot water tank could be empty if the water was drained, leaked out, it is in winter mode (bypassed), the anode rod was removed etc....numerous reasons why.  But you can do a lot of damage to the system heating an empty tank.

Make sure the hot water bypass valves are NOT set in winter mode....make sure water is flowing into and out of the hot water tank.  Either on city water (hose connection) or with fresh water tank filled (and using the pump) - get the hot water tank filled up by running opening up hot water taps in the kitchen and/or shower.  Once all the sputter stops...the hot water tank should be filled.

Only then, turn on the hot water switch (propane) and/or electrical element switch (mine is in the outside heater compartment) to start heating.  Using propane, I always go out immediately after to make sure the flame kicked in and operating.

Stay close by and check intermittently  for warmer water in the taps and also that there are no leaks (inside or outside).