Also make sure it is screwed in tightly to the control valve. Check to ensure it’s centered in the flame of the pilot light. Step 1: Make sure the thermocouple is free of soot or corrosion. Manual Valve Water Heater (Image: ) The pilot light won’t stay lit. Manual Valve RV Water Heaters: Common Problems and Repairs What if you didn’t find a supply issue using the above steps? Here are the most common problems with RV water heaters and how to (hopefully) fix them. These tools are helpful in RV water heater troubleshooting. Ensure 120-volts is present by safely using a volt-ohm meter (also called a VOM or multimeter).Ī 12-volt test light and volt-ohm meter should be part of every RVers electrical test kit. If your water heater is equipped with an electric element, verify the switch(s) controlling the electric element is turned on. Now check for 120-volts AC (aka shore power). Do you have 120-volts AC (aka shore power) reaching the water heater? ![]() This can help you locate the incoming power lead. Look for a wiring schematic in your water heater owner’s manual. If you have a DSI water heater, you need to verify that 12-volt DC power is reaching the water heater when the water heater switch is turned on inside the RV. (Image: ) Do you have 12-volts DC (aka battery power) reaching the water heater? Alternatively, you can use one of the other propane check tools and methods listed here. Then check for leaks using soapy water sprayed onto the fitting. Soap bubbles will appear around the fitting if propane is present. Or, spray soapy water on the gas valve fitting. Pay attention to any smells or sounds coming from the line. Now “crack” open the gas line where it enters the gas valve. Not sure if propane is coming to the water heater? Follow the steps below.įirst, ensure that no nearby ignition sources are present (such as your RV refrigerator running on propane, or a catalytic heater in operation). What happens when you try to light the water heater? Watch and smell for any signs of propane coming through the gas valve. Are they turned on? Check to ensure your other propane appliances are operating correctly. Make sure your propane cylinders are full. This mode prevents water from reaching the water heater before testing. Make sure the bypass valves used for winterizing are not in the bypass mode. If water rushes out, it is not a supply problem. Scalding can occur if hot water is present. This is easily tested by opening the pressure relief valve located near the top of the water heater. This is what you need to troubleshoot: Is pressurized water reaching the water heater inlet? Next, verify that your water heater problem is not the result of a supply issue. Take your RV to a service center if you are not familiar with safely working around these two energy sources. Working with propane and 120-volt household electricity can be dangerous. This part heats the water within the tank. RV water heaters often have a submerged electric element. These models allow the user to flip a switch inside the RV to light the propane burner on the water heater. This is the most common type of water heater in today’s RVs. ![]() These are typically found on basic or older RV models. It utilizes a standing pilot light which has to be lit from the outside of the RV. That valve is located on the exterior side of the RV. In this type of RV water heater, the gas valve controlling the propane is manually activated. The element can be used in conjunction with propane, which heats water faster. Some may also contain an electric element in addition to propane. The most common types of water heaters found in RVs contain a tank primarily heated by the burning of propane gas. No one likes a cold shower! Mike do not cover Troubleshooting tankless RV water heaters in this article) Overview: The 3 Types of RV Water Heaters And, when that thing happens to be your water heater, it’s even more upsetting. As an RVer, there are few things more frustrating than when things in an RV don’t work properly.
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