If you have a Suburban HWS, you will have a lead plugged into a power point and a small micro switch on behind the panel outside, the switch is in a horrible position and is known to break, its not very sturdy and is a pain to replace, far better to turn the little switch on and leave it on all the time, mine hasn't been turned off since I fitted a new one some 8 years or so ago, operate the HWS from the power point life is easier .....
HWS should always be the last thing turned on and first thing turned off, then you won't stuff the elements, best to have a routine that once the water is connected, HW taps are run so HW tank is filled and air released, then HWS can be turned On, when packing up HWS Off first then water then power sort of thing ..... if on gas we only turn it on about 30mins before needed, saves gas and on mains Last On and First off ............ Running the taps when connecting up water should be a must for all HWS ..