| RVers want lots of hot water, so we light our water | | | | the bottom left corner of the water heater. Get to |
| heater and forget it. Unless there is a problem, then | | | | both these drains by opening the outside WH door. |
| we're stuck! So, this article may make the RV water | | | | Check the exterior vent and burner area for mud |
| heater workings a bit easier to understand. | | | | daubers, spider webs and anything else that will |
| The basic RV water heater is LP gas (pilot light) with | | | | obstruct the air flow. |
| a 6 gallon tank. The inner tank is bisected with a tube | | | | Winterize properly. If your RV is not equipped with a |
| that is heated by a gas valve. This valve does double | | | | by pass, install one now. This will keep the antifreeze |
| duty as a thermostat, heating the water to the | | | | from filling your tank. |
| proper temperature, and as a safety valve which will | | | | A common problem found with RV water heaters is |
| shut off the LP when the pilot goes out. The water | | | | foul smell - like rotten eggs. This is caused by high |
| travels into the tank at the bottom, surrounds the | | | | sulphur levels. Though unpleasant, it is not harmful. |
| tube and is heated, then is released out the top. The | | | | Flush and sanitize the water system to get rid of the |
| tank will fill before water can go through the rest of | | | | smell. You can use vinegar or bleach to do this. There |
| the camper's water system. | | | | are water fresheners available that will sanitize |
| An upgrade to the basic gas pilot model is DSI, or | | | | without the bleach smell. Remember to flush with |
| direct spark ignition, which is lit from inside the | | | | clean water after sanitizing. |
| camper. Also available are LP gas and electric models. | | | | Another common problem is water leaking at the |
| A heating element is added as an alternate way to | | | | pressure relief valve. This is caused by the normal air |
| heat the water. Some motor homes have water | | | | pocket at the top of the water tank being absorbed |
| heaters with heat exchangers that pipe the water | | | | by the water. The cure for this is to turn off the |
| through the engine compartment while traveling, so | | | | water heater and let the water cool. Then shut off |
| you have hot water when you stop for the night! | | | | the water supply to the water heater, open a faucet |
| There are two main manufacturer of the RV water | | | | inside your camper to let off the pressure, open the |
| heater: Atwood and Suburban. They come 3, 6, 10 | | | | pressure valve on the water heater and let the |
| and 12 gallon models. The following are tips to help | | | | water flow until it stops on its own, then snap shut |
| you keep your RV water heater trouble free: | | | | the valve, close the faucet, and turn the water |
| Always make sure your water heater is full before | | | | supply back on. These are not signs of a defective |
| lighting. You can check by opening a hot water | | | | water heater. |
| faucet and waiting until there is a steady flow. | | | | Other issues such as sooting, or problems with the |
| Drain and flush your water heater after every trip. | | | | water heater staying lit could be signs of trouble with |
| On Suburban models the anode rod is removed to | | | | the gas valve or circut board, and should be checked |
| drain the tank. Atwood has a plug usually located in | | | | by a certified RV technician. |