The Motorhome Hot Water Heater is a great device, but like all electronics, it sometimes has its issues. If your Motorhome Hot Water Heater is not working, take a look at this troubleshooting guide.
We’ve collected answers to the most frequent reasons you’ll see Motorhome Hot Water Heater not working and explained them in plain language for easy troubleshooting.
Quick Fix
To troubleshoot a Motorhome Hot Water Heater, check the power supply and gas valve, inspect the thermostat settings, flush the tank for sediment, and test the ignition system for proper function.
Troubleshooting Lukewarm Water
When troubleshooting lukewarm water in your motorhome’s hot water heater, several key factors need to be examined.
First, certify that the bypass valve is fully closed. If it’s open, cold water can mix with hot water, resulting in lukewarm temperatures.
Next, check the water pressure at showerheads and outdoor showers to guarantee they’re fully open and not restricting water flow.
Also, verify that the propane tank is turned on and not empty, as this can prevent the heating element from functioning properly.
Additionally, inspect the outdoor shower knobs to guarantee they’re turned off, as leaving them on can cause hot and cold water to mix.
Power and Electrical Issues
To troubleshoot power and electrical issues with your motorhome’s hot water heater, you need to start by verifying that the shore power connection and campground pedestal breaker are functioning properly.
Validate the breaker on the pedestal is turned on and that your RV’s 120-volt breaker panel hasn’t tripped the water heater breaker. This is vital because a tripped breaker can prevent the water heater from receiving power.
Next, use a multimeter to check the heating element’s ohm reading, which should be between 9.6-10 ohms. This helps diagnose any electrical issues.
Also, confirm your RV’s power capabilities aren’t exceeded by the 120-volt heating element to avoid damaging the electrical system. If the heating element is faulty, it may require replacement by an RV electrical technician.
Lighting and Ignition Problems
Lighting and ignition problems in your motorhome’s hot water heater can be just as frustrating as power and electrical issues.
If your igniter isn’t sparking, it’s vital to identify the root cause. Start by checking the 12-volt fuse inside the RV’s electrical panel for blown fuses, as a faulty fuse can prevent the igniter from functioning properly.
Key areas to inspect include:
- Propane Supply: Verify propane tanks have enough propane and the service valve is completely open to allow for proper gas flow to the water heater.
- Igniter Function: Check for proper propane ignition process powered by the RV’s 12-volt battery, as a malfunctioning battery can prevent the igniter from sparking.
- Component Integrity: Faulty gas valves, ignitors, or dirty burn chambers may require professional assistance to repair or replace.
Resetting the Water Heater
Resetting your motorhome’s water heater is a crucial step in troubleshooting and resolving issues.
If your water heater has stopped working due to a safety feature deactivation, you’ll need to reset it. For tank-style water heaters, turn the system off and back on to reset the 12-volt panel and circuit board.
For Suburban water heaters, locate the reset button in the exterior compartment and press it to reset the water heater.
However, if you find yourself repeatedly resetting the water heater, it may indicate a faulty thermostat or other issues that require professional assistance from an RV technician.
Always inspect the water heater and surrounding areas after resetting to verify there are no leaks or damage to the system. Check the electrical connections and wiring to confirm they’re secure and not damaged.
Common Water Heater Faults
Common water heater faults in motorhomes can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple mixing problems to complex electrical and ignition failures.
If you’re experiencing lukewarm water, it might be due to hot and cold water mixing outside the tank, which can be resolved by checking bypass handles on the water heater tank and ensuring showerheads are fully opened.
Some common faults to watch out for include:
- Electrical Issues: Check the shore power connection, campground pedestal breaker, and 120-volt breaker panel. Measure the heating element’s ohm reading to diagnose power problems.
- Ignition Failures: Blown fuses, insufficient propane, or faulty gas valves, ignitors, or dirty burn chambers can cause lighting and ignition issues, often requiring professional assistance.
- Thermostat Problems: Repeated resetting of the water heater may indicate a faulty thermostat or other underlying issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Reset My RV Hot Water Heater?
To reset your RV hot water heater, first check for loose connections, incorrect installation, or a faulty thermostat. For Suburban models, press the reset button in the exterior compartment. Otherwise, turn the system off and back on to reset the 12-volt panel and circuit board.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Water Heater Failure?
Imagine waking up to icy showers in your RV – a nightmare. The most common causes of water heater failure are faulty thermostats, corrosion issues from neglected anode rods, and sediment buildup clogging the tank.
How Do I Know if My RV Water Heater Is Gas and Electric?
To determine if your RV water heater is gas and electric, check the exterior compartment or user manual for a switch or button to toggle between modes, and look for both a propane gas line and electrical connections.
Why Does My RV Hot Water Heater Keep Tripping the Reset Button?
Your RV hot water heater’s reset button keeps tripping likely due to a faulty thermostat causing overheating issues, electrical surges from loose wiring or short circuits, or sediment build-up leading to excessive heating element strain.
Conclusion
When troubleshooting your motorhome’s hot water heater, methodically checking each component is vital. For instance, if your water heater suddenly stops working after a long shower, first verify the bypass valve is fully closed and the propane tank is not empty. Then, inspect the igniter and propane supply. If issues persist, reset the water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, if your Suburban water heater’s ECO switch has tripped, simply pressing the reset button may resolve the issue.
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