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Why Is My RV water heater not heating?

Jim Brown

Why Is My RV water heater not heating?

There are several reasons for not having enough hot water or for running out of hot water too quickly. The reasons could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken or damaged dip tube which would allow cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the water heater, or having the water temperature set too low.

Where is the reset button on RV water heater?

There is a Reset button in the WH panel that can be used to close the circuit and restore power. The Reset button on the left restarts the 12V electrical component of the propane heating system and the one on the right resets the electric heating system.

Do RV water heaters run on electricity?

There are three types of RV water heaters with tanks: electric water heaters, propane water heaters, and combination heaters. As you might guess, an electric water heater heats water using electricity. It is also possible to use both electricity and propane at the same time in order to heat the water more quickly.

What to do if your RV water heater is not working?

Look for the DCI lights on the panel and if they are lit you will need to go outside and push the reset buttons on the water heater. If this does not fix the issues, additional RV water heater troubleshooting will be needed.

How do you turn on an electric water heater in an RV?

In most cases, turning it on is easy: you simply locate your RV electric water heater switch and toggle it to “on.” If your camper water heater is in gas mode, the igniter will have to click on the pilot light — or the pilot light may even need to be lit manually. Refer to your RV owner’s manual for full details.

What does the reset light on an RV water heater look like?

Propane-powered RV water heaters have a switch that looks something like this: This is a common style switch for an RV water heater. If your RV water heater is working properly, you should be able to switch it on and the red “reset light” will light up for a few seconds until ignition.

What do you need to know about a camper water heater?

If your camper water heater is in gas mode, the igniter will have to click on the pilot light — or the pilot light may even need to be lit manually. Refer to your RV owner’s manual for full details. You don’t have to be your own mechanic, but there’s a lot to be said for knowing about the inner workings of your RV.

Why Is My RV water heater not heating?

Jim Brown

Why Is My RV water heater not heating?

There are several reasons for not having enough hot water or for running out of hot water too quickly. The reasons could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken or damaged dip tube which would allow cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the water heater, or having the water temperature set too low.

How do I troubleshoot my RV water heater?

While your at it, perform the regular water heater servicing that is likely long overdue in most RVs.

  1. Drain and rinse water heater tank.
  2. Replace RV water heater anode.
  3. Replace electric water heater element.
  4. Diagnose faulty water heater thermostat.
  5. Replace thermostat switch.
  6. Investigate and repair faulty power switch.

What is the most common problem with water heaters?

Water temperature issues – Water temperature issues are among the most common problems you’ll encounter with water heaters.

Why am I not getting water in my RV?

Double check to make sure that you have water in your freshwater holding tank. If the tank is very low or empty the water pump has nothing to pump. 2. Check all the water lines leading to and from the water pump to see if you have a loose connection or cracked water line.

What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?

The reset button: a red button located on the water heater itself (just above the thermostat) that trips when the water temperature exceeds 180 F. The reset button is sometimes referred to as the “ECO” (emergency cut off) or “high limit switch”.

Is there a reset button on a RV hot water heater?

There is a Reset button in the WH panel that can be used to close the circuit and restore power. The Reset button on the left restarts the 12V electrical component of the propane heating system and the one on the right resets the electric heating system.

What should I do if my RV water heater is not working?

The last step of the RV water heater troubleshooting process is to turn off the LP system to check for a spark. If you don’t get a spark, your system could have an electrode that is bent or carbon grounding. Again, easy fix, quick solution. Okay, but what if you get through each of these steps and still can’t figure out what’s wrong?

How can I troubleshoot MY Suburban water heater?

The Suburban water heater is a 12 gallon unit that runs on either propane or electric. When conducting your RV water heater troubleshooting steps for this unit you will want to locate the control panel. Look for the DCI lights on the panel and if they are lit you will need to go outside and push the reset buttons on the water heater.

How can I test the voltage on my RV water heater?

NOT PICTURED: Test for proper voltage on each side of the water heater element by touching one probe of your multimeter to each screw, while touching the other to common ground. Remove the square black cover to expose the RV water heater thermostat switches.

What to do if water comes out of your water heater?

Here is what you will need to check: Pressurized freshwater is reaching the inlet of the water heater. This is most easily tested by opening the pressure relief valve located near the top of the water heater. If water comes out, it is not a supply problem.