This is kind of a crazy one but our main water valve running into the house will be shut off for a couple of days. I am wondering if it is possible to add water to the hot water tank, via a neighbors hose, through the overflow valve. At this point the tank is about empty and until the problem is fixed out front, I have no way of getting water into the tank. This is just for a quick shower or bath for the kids. It is a 50 gallon electric water heater. Thanks in advance.

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At this point the tank is about empty

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f you've left the power on and allowed the tank level to drop you have already burnt out the top element and if the level fell bemeath the bottom eleement then that's toast also. As the image shows, the elements must be submerged or they burn up. :( If that's what you've done ehut the power off and check the elements. Good luck and let me kmow what you've found. Good luck, Tom

With no water pressure feeding the heater how did it get partially empty? I think Tom is going to be correct if that heater was left powered. Your original question could be jury rigged but I'd feed that fresh water in via the drain spigot.