Fixing Water Heaters In Campers: Who Can Help?

Water heaters are one of the most regularly used appliances in a camper, so it can be frustrating when they stop working. Luckily, there are several simple troubleshooting solutions to remedy common issues, and in some cases, you can even fix them yourself. However, for more complex problems, it's best to consult a professional technician to ensure a safe and effective repair.

Electric water heaters

Lukewarm Water

If your water is lukewarm, it indicates that the water heater is functioning but mixing with cold water outside the tank. Ensure that the bypass handles on the water heater tank or water bay compartment are correctly positioned and not set for winterization. Check the water pressure on showerheads and ensure they are fully open, as restricted flow can cause cold and hot water mixing. Make sure the push button on handheld showerheads is open, allowing unrestricted water flow.

Power Issues

For electric water heaters, check your shore power connection and ensure the breaker on your campground pedestal is on. Verify that the water heater breaker in your RV's electrical panel box is not tripped, as the heating element consumes a significant amount of power. If you have a multimeter, you can check the heating element without draining the tank. Set the multimeter to ohms and place the leads on the metal plates under the heating element screw heads. The reading should be between 9.6 to 10 ohms, and if it deviates by more than 10%, the element should be replaced by an RV electrical technician.

Lighting Issues

Troubles with igniting the flame or issues with the power switch may arise. Check your 12-volt fuse in the electrical panel to ensure it hasn't blown. Confirm that your propane tanks have sufficient propane and that the service valve is fully open. Persistent problems may be due to a faulty gas valve, ignitor, dirty burn chamber, or flame issues, requiring an RV technician's expertise.

Resetting the Water Heater

If your water heater has a safety feature that deactivates it when the water temperature exceeds the maximum safety limit, you may need to reset it. For tank-style water heaters like Atwood, Dometic, and most tankless systems, turn the system off and back on to reset the 12-volt panel and circuit board. For tank-style heaters like Suburban, press the reset buttons located in the exterior compartment. If the issue persists, consult an RV technician, as there may be a faulty thermostat or a need for decalcification in tankless heaters.

Maintenance Tips

To prevent issues with your electric water heater, regularly inspect and clean it at least every six months. Look for limescale, calcium deposits, and corrosion. Use a water conditioner to address limestone buildup. If you encounter corrosion, consult a professional, as you may need to replace the water heater. Additionally, ensure you drain the water heater before winter to prevent freezing and potential damage to the tank.

Propane water heaters

Common Issues and Fixes:

• Screeching noises: This is often due to limescale and calcium buildup. Open your water heater and look for white, crusty, or brown deposits. Buy a water conditioner to deal with limescale, or call a professional if you suspect corrosion.
• Whistling noises: The check valve is often the culprit. Open it, clean it with warm water, let it dry, then reattach and run the water heater again.
• Cold water: Ensure only one faucet is open at a time, as multiple faucets can mix cold water with hot. If this doesn't help, check your bypass valve and ensure it's off.
• Burner and propane issues: Look for loose wires and tighten them. Check the propane airline for clogs and perform airline bleeding to remove trapped air and debris. Clear the burner nozzle of any insects, dirt, or dust.
• Slow-moving water: Mineral deposits on faucet screens can restrict water flow. Soak the screens in vinegar for a few minutes to remove deposits, then reinstall them.
• Sooting: Check your gas supply, burner alignment, air valve, air shutter, and flame spreader for issues. Clean any blocked components. If problems persist, consult a professional.
• Low pressure: Check the pressure release valve's pressure and the water heater temperature. If misaligned, the valve may need replacing. Drain and replace the air in the valve, then monitor for improvements.

Maintenance Tips:

• Regularly inspect and clean your water heater, at least every six months.
• Remember to drain your water heater before winter to prevent freezing and potential tank damage.
• If your water heater has a bypass kit, ensure the valves are open before igniting the burner to prevent overheating.
• Install an anode rod to prevent corrosion, and check its condition when draining the tank.
• Consider adding a fiberglass jacket to your water heater after five years to extend its lifespan.
• Release a quarter of the water from your water heater every six months to prevent debris and sediment buildup.

Replacement:

If your propane water heater is damaged and requires replacement, here are the steps to do so:

• Shut off the propane tanks and remove the gas line.
• Disconnect any control wiring at the outside panel.
• From the inside, disconnect the water lines.
• Remove the screws around the perimeter of the outside access door, and slide out the water heater.
• Clean the old butyl putty tape, apply a fresh layer, and slide in the new water heater.
• Reinstall the perimeter screws, tightening them alternately from each side.
• Reinstall the water lines and hook up the control wiring.
• Hook up the LP gas line, turn on the LP tank, and spray the fittings with soapy water to check for leaks.
• Turn on the water and gas, and monitor the water heater's operation to ensure it's functioning correctly.

When to Call a Professional:

While many issues can be addressed through the steps outlined above, remember that some jobs are best left to professionals. Issues involving gas, electrical wiring, or corrosion can be dangerous, and a professional can ensure your safety and the proper handling of these components.

I hope these instructions help you maintain and troubleshoot your propane water heater. Stay safe, and enjoy your hot showers!

Pilot light issues

If your camper water heater's pilot light won't light or stay lit, there are a few potential issues you can check for. Firstly, ensure that your propane tank is full and that there is no obstruction in the gas line. If there is an obstruction, simply clean the gas line to remove any dirt or debris.

Secondly, check the thermocouple, which is a small metal rod near the flame. The thermocouple may be dirty, bent, or broken. If it is dirty, clean it gently with fine-grit sandpaper. If it is bent, carefully bend it back to its original position, ensuring it is as close to the pilot light as possible without touching the flame. If the thermocouple is broken, it will need to be replaced by a professional.

Thirdly, check if there is residual gas inside the unit. Turn the gas off and let the unit sit for at least five minutes before attempting to ignite the pilot light again. This will allow any residual gas to disperse, as some water heaters have a built-in safety mechanism that prevents the pilot from lighting when gas fumes are present.

Additionally, if your water heater has an automatic ignition system, there may be an issue with the control board or the igniter. In this case, it is best to call a technician for assistance.

Finally, if your water heater uses a manual ignition system, ensure that you are following the correct lighting procedure. This typically involves turning the gas on, lighting a match or using a lighter, turning the water heater knob to "pilot" or "light", applying the flame to the rod where the gas will come out, and then turning the knob from "pilot" to "heat" once lit.

Burner issues

• Loose wires: Look for loose wires that may be preventing propane ignition. Tighten any loose wires to allow reliable propane flow.
• Clogged airline: If tightening the wires doesn't resolve the issue, access the propane's airline and check for clogging due to dirt, dust, or soot.
• Perform airline bleeding: This technique gradually releases trapped air and debris from the airline, allowing it to function normally.
• Burner nozzle: If the above steps don't work, move on to cleaning the burner nozzle by removing any insects, dirt, or dust.
• Corrosion: If the burner still doesn't work, check for corrosion on or near the water heater. The ignitor will click if it's trying to run but can't due to corrosion.
• Consult a professional: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consult a professional to fix or replace the burner.

Remember, working on a water heater can be dangerous, especially when dealing with burners and propane. If you don't feel comfortable performing these repairs, it's best to seek professional assistance to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your water heater.

Water flow problems

Troubleshooting No Hot Water Flow:

Firstly, check if the bypass valve has been turned on. This is important because it allows you to bypass the hot water tank when preparing your RV for winter. If you forgot to switch it back on, simply turn the valve off the bypass option, and you'll find the valve on the outside of your RV, labelled 'Water Heater Bypass'. If you can't locate it, your RV might not have this valve, and another issue is at play.

Troubleshooting Slow Hot Water Flow:

If you have hot water but the flow is slow, it's likely due to a build-up inside your faucets, often caused by hard water. Mineral deposits clog your faucet screen, making it difficult for water to flow through. To fix this, remove your faucet screen or aerators and soak them in apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will dissolve the deposits, and you can then reinstall the screen and enjoy normal water flow.

Troubleshooting Lukewarm Water:

If you're getting lukewarm water, there's likely a valve that hasn't been closed properly, allowing hot and cold water to mix. Locate your hot water tank; you'll see a pipe leading from the tank to your faucets, connected to another pipe for cold water. There should be a valve at this junction; if it's not closed, simply turn it off, separating the hot and cold water supply.

Troubleshooting Cold Water:

If you're only getting cold water, there's a chance your propane burner isn't getting enough air or is getting too much. If there's too much air, the burner will make loud noises, and if there isn't enough, you'll see soot building up around the exhaust area. Check the flame; if there isn't enough air mixing with the propane, the flame will be weak and yellow. A healthy flame should be blue with yellow tips.

Troubleshooting Electric Water Heater Issues:

If you have an electric water heater that isn't lighting up, check for corrosion or loose wires.

Troubleshooting Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Issues:

The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety feature installed in RVs to lower the pressure inside the hot water tank if it reaches unsafe levels. If this valve isn't working, your tank is at risk of exploding. If it's faulty, you'll need to replace the air in your tank. Turn off the water heater and water supply, open a faucet to release pressure, and then open the relief valve to drain the water. Once drained, close the valve and faucet, turn the water back on, and wait for the tank to refill.

If none of these troubleshooting methods work, it's best to take your RV to a repair shop, where professionals can diagnose and fix the issue.

Frequently asked questions