Hi Kevin. In our particular system (and from what weve heard from MANY others), leaving both the hot and cold faucets on opens a connection between the hot and cold sides of the water system, allowing the cold and hot water to mix. Can't you use the electric side of the water heater? What makes the game worse is that sometimes the company and the owners manual do not tell you where those components are. You would have to get on your hands and knees. 7 Best RV Vacuum Cleaners: Get One That Really Sucks! (Well touch on this one later.). Going to a higher-flow faucet/showerhead could definitely be a solution, though we don't have a recommendation for you as we're constantly looking for LOWER flow to conserve water! When you have this valve open, you need to close the cold and hot water valves. The gas side worked fine up until last October when I winterized. If you find that your water is running lukewarm, check to make sure you havent made our newbie mistake. By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. Check the circuit breaker for the water heater. (Hey we were newbies once, too!). We participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there. The question is, where do RV makers consider before the water heater? With upgrades to RV manufacturing, the newer versions may have new locations. Even our new-to-us 2019 Momentum still has the manual switch out in water heater enclosure. As donn says, it must be getting 12v somewhere, so it apparently is direct wired to battery and/or converter/charger somewhere. It's getting that time of year. Brand new Season Four episodes of The RVersairing now. It has a flow switch that activates the gas heat when the water flow is above the minimum requirement. Next, wrap Teflon tape around the male end of the fittings. Thankfully, you are not dealing with any electricity here. Sorry to hear about your issue with your ondemand water heater (would love to know what brand/model you have just for reference, if you don't mind sharing). For engaging and disengaging the valve, the position for each one may be different. Be sure to check these valves to make sure theyre in the correct position(s) to give you hot water! Join our newsletter to learn about all things RV-related. To tighten properly, just go one half turn past finger tight. You must log in or register to reply here. The exact location may differ between models even though they are built by the same company. You turn the correct valve or valves and close the system while opening your hot water heaters regular function. ?? We checked the propane level as well. I'm beyond frustrated. This is an independent, unofficial site. I unbent them, reassembled it, and reset the heater and everything is working perfectly. If not it may be in fail safe mode due to several failed attempts to light. Then remove panels or drawers, then feel your way around. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That is all there is to it. It is a simple system, but it may be the most difficult component to find. Depending on the make, model, and type of water heater you have in your RV, all the following suggestions may or may not apply. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. There is a gasket included for a tighter fit. What we have found are what are called bypass plates. First, we checked the main power switch on the water heater and it was on. One day when we were new RVers traveling and living in our 2002 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel, we found that the water running in our kitchen sink wasnt getting hot. Next, we checked to see if the water heater circuit breaker was tripped. It turns out, it was entirely our own fault! Another easy troubleshooting step if theres no hot water in your RV is to check your propane levels. The reason the water heater wouldnt fire up using propane was simple the water in the water heater was already hot! Remove the existing water lines and fittings from the water heater. In electric/gas combination water heaters, you can use one or the other, or both gas and electric at the same time, to heat your water. This is a hit and miss experience as some people have reported that different manuals do not mention everything and its location. There are a couple of different ways you can do this. We checked to make sure the propane was turned on and there was plenty of propane in the tank. If they are not already marked. Anyone can learn how to do this task and not harm themselves. If the panel does not have screws, you need to remove the two drawers next to the stove and see if that provides access. These should be universal fits, but just in case, be prepared if they are not. How To Keep Your Dog Cool While RVing This Summer. Keep up the awesome work. If it is a 6WD water heater it should have to reset buttons on the front of the water heater behind the door to those two black buttons the reset button did you try pressing them? How Fast Should You Replace A Chipped Windshield? The tricky part is if you have a one, two, or three-valve system. These plates are made from stainless steel and should last you forever, or so the company says. Camper FAQs is reader-supported. I've never ran into anything new with as many issues as this travel trailer has had. Sometimes, the bypass valve is located on the cold water line where it meets the bypass hose. Then, do not expect to find those valves in the same location as a previous model you may have owned. Perfect. Very early on in our tenure as RVers, we experienced the problem of no hot water in our RV. We noticed that when the propane heating was turned on the ignition light didnt illuminate. For some models, the water heater bypass valve is located under your stove. Contact Us. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. Find the RV water heater on and off switch on the panel. Ensure their is water in the hot water tank before proceeding. You may have closed your bypass valves when you winterized your RV or sanitized your water system. Just Google the make & model like this: Suburban SW12DE owners manual. Look in the cabinet where the water heater is located. You have to remove the panel by removing the screws to get to it. Of course, since youre not getting hot water in your RV, you may need to obtain it from some other source, like the bathroom at the campground! It seems the favorite one with RV manufacturers is hide and seek. Each model may be different, and some will have a bypass valve right next to the water heater, behind it, or outside where you have to go through an access panel to operate it. Where one is located is up to the individual RV makers, and they have lots of places to hide them. How to Turn On an Electric RV Water Heater, RV Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide. That valve might be adjustable so you could lower it which would mean you wouldn't need to mix in as much cold water at the shower and the hot flow might stay up high enough to keep the heater running. They will have the tools and the experience to guide you through it and make sure you get the right parts installed the right way. Electric water heaters, of course, heat water using electricity. The thermostat(s) and their hi-limit/emergency cut-off switches sit under a cover that looks like this one, located behind the outside cover to the water heater itself. But even if you dont have a gauge, checking the level of propane in your tank is easy. To install is not too difficult if you are handy with tools and know-how to work with plumbing. If you can, get those kits that come with brass fittings. The first, of course, is to simply read your tanks gauge. Like a house, an RV has a water heater. If youve ruled that out, then we have some additional suggestions for your troubleshooting list. With the outside showers hot and cold faucets properly shut off, the temperature of our water was about 124 degrees. The valve may be a push-button style where you have to push in to engage it or push a second time to disengage it. (What Kind of Grease), 2 AC Units On 30 Amp: Can You Run RV AC On 30 Amp? That happened to us when we were newbies (and occasionally still does! Generally, though, the water valves are near the water heater. It fires up (even with switch off) as soon as power is connected (battery or shore). The danger of using these kits is that many of them come with plastic valves. Then, you do not use this valve all the time. Re-install your old water heater fittings and reconnect the water lines. In addition to subscribing above, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, too (if you havent already)! How to Drain an RV Water Heater (Quick Step-by-Step Guide). With this part, it is very important to get a bypass system attached to it. You need a bright light .small black switch. Replace the element if defective. If youve sanitized your water system, or if youve winterized your RV for the season, youve likely closed the water heater bypass valves to allow the water heater to be bypassed during the process. LOL, Anthony! The heater will fire as soon as power is restored with the inside switch on or off. We feel your pain, Jere! Once that is done, you are ready to go. In one model, those valves may be located at the rear of the water heater. What the bypass will do is prevent any anti-freeze, you pump through your RV for winter storage, from entering this part. If, however, you push on each reset button you have and they dont move/click they hadnt tripped and that WASNT your problem. Lets now learn how to turn on your electric RV water heater. Set your DVR today! Best RV Pet Screen Door Protectors: Pet-Proof Your RVs Door, Package Dimensions: 6.35 H x 0.508 L x 2.286 W (cm), Water heater repair parts for RV, Motor, Home,etc.Easy installation, if follow our installation instructions. Went without hot water several days on recent trip-- thought it was the mixing valve but it ended up just being the open valves on the outside shower -- never thought to look there. Stupid question on my part. are you camping with electric hookup? You need to check the wiring again. What I meant was I disconnected all power to reset the lockout, and reconnected power to fire it up. The first step would be to close the bypass valve and stop the water from running around the water heater. Weve discussed how to light an RV water heater pilot light, so now lets turn our attention towards electric water heaters. The frustrating thing is you may have to remove doors, drawers, panels before finding the right one. Glad someone noticed Peter put a fair amount of effort into cleaning that area up before shooting that segment, so we're happy it was evident! Turning on an electric water heater in an RV is a fairly simple task, with most of the confusion coming from where to find the on/off switch or figuring out whether you have a gas or electric (or both) water heater which well get into below. Check out our guide on how to fill an RV water heater for step-by-step instructions. I got it figured out. Youll likely access the heating element from the outside of your RV, and youll need a simple heating element wrench like this one: And you can pick up replacement heating elements for your water heater at any local RV parts supply or online: If youve got no hot water in your RV, another possible culprit is a faulty thermostat. switch(es), just like that. Once you have that number, use the chart below to decipher the type of heater you have. The answer to this question is a common-sense answer. Thats what youre pressing on when you push on the circular rubber button. They are designed to fit both 10 and 5-inch housings, and you should not need any tools to install them. You may also have forgotten to re-open them! That will make operating them easier. There are many different Forest River RV models and floor plans. As you know, when water freezes it expands. Wrong i left my outdoor shower valves on. We had used our outside shower, and wed turned the water off on the showerhead itself, rather than closing the faucets. Plus, learn a few important tips, so you dont ruin your water heater in the process. 5 Awesome RV Staycation Ideas: Enjoy Your RV & Save on Fuel! When winterizing time comes, just shut the valves off and open the bypass valve, and you save. What Size Is an RV Water Heater Drain Plug? One example is the water heater bypass system. If the panel does not have screws, you need to remove the two drawers next to the stove and see if that provides access. The three-valve system has three valves with two in the same position as the two-valve system and one more on the hot water line. (Atwood, Dometic), RV Hot Water Tank Plug Size (Dometic, Atwood). In our scenario, we found that the propane ignition light didnt illuminate when we turned on the propane heat. Some water pumps come with built-in bypass systems that make things a lot easier for you. All you would have to do is remove the access panel and manipulate the valves. We cannot be specific here because the designs are not universal and the same for every RV. Forest River Water Heater Bypass: Where Is The Bypass Valve? But while draining my tank i just happened to put my hand in the draining water and low and behold the water was scalding hot. And you blame forest river why? RV Water Heater Element Wrench 6"Hex Socket Wrench Removal Tool Tube Spanner 1-1/16" x 1-1/2" x 6" Length, Suburban 520900 Replacement Electric Water Heater Element Kit, Atwood 92249 Electric Water Heater Replacement Parts - 110 VAC Element/Gasket Kit, ECO Thermostat Assembly Replace for Atwood 91447 Replacement Part for Water Heater Repair Parts Fit For RV, Motor Home Emergency Cutoff Service Kit, How to Protect Your RVs Decals & Keep Them From Fading. JavaScript is disabled. You are using an out of date browser. However, I have no idea how they would have gotten bent and why the boot got melted. I'm just hoping it will survive the night without freeze damage, and then I'll dump it off at the dealer yet again. Doing so will immediately burn out the electric heater element. All electronic stuff everywhere, but some still manual also. Double-check your list to make sure everything has been done to have a little peace of mind during those long cold months you are not using your RV. So after reading your post i looked at my wife and said no way that is it.right? What Does An RV Propane Gas Leak Smell Like? So common sense told me that wasnt it. Those frustrations can come when looking for key components when you want to store or use your RV. Plastic valves tend to wear out faster and break easier than brass fittings. that way you will not forget or overlook all the key components that need special attention, like your water heater. This is like any other valve that handles water or other liquids. Install the new fittings where the old ones were. How Do I Know if My RV Water Heater Is Gas or Electric? We have an On Demand water heater in our RV. When you do, mark it so you can find it faster the next time you have to use the bypass valve. When the cold water has finished heating, it can run freely to your shower or faucets. When your RVs hot water system is working properly, you have all the hot water you desire, within the limits of the water heater tank size. Fortunately, there are easy ways to check your propane level. Perpendicular means it is closed, while parallel to the line means it is open. switch. if you do not remove the water from the water heater during the winter and do not have proper insulation, the water will freeze, expand and damage the unit. If you dont have the manual for your water heater, it should be available online. No Hot Water In Your RV? 10 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds For RVers. It is a suburban water heater so its a suburban problem. You should hear the igniter clicking. However, those same pleasures can bring a lot of frustration. Do You Grease a Trailer Hitch Ball? Unfortnately I didn't have time to stick around to see if the electric side worked. There should be instructions on the kit package so read those carefully to make sure you know exactly where to place the old fittings. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. The problem needs to be addressed by a qualified person. Fired up today, heated to temp, shut down, fault light is on, would not refire to reheat. If not, be sure to check out the links and videos posted above in this article for more detailed information that will (hopefully) lead to an easy resolution, bringing the luxury of hot water back into your RV. But with both faucets open, the temperature of the water was lukewarm, at around 102 degrees. Nope not the issue. When you turn it on do you hear the igniter clicking? There are a number of informative RV water heater tips that are important to know about, and that will almost certainly be helpful to you in some way. It is hard to beat simplicity when that style works well and gives you the right options. The camper is stored outside, in a campground. We had inadvertently caused the problem ourselves, and it was a very simple fix. take a few minutes to see if the upcoming data will help you solve your game of hide and seek. It was just lukewarm, which was very unusual. or it has to be closed to let the water heater function like normal. You cannot leave this step out as Teflon tape gets into those grooves and blocks the waters escape route. Would you have a recommendation as to a source for a high flow shower faucet? This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Once you see the system, you should know what to do as it is a basic system used in all cases. However, if the switch trips repeatedly, then your thermostat needs to be replaced. Sorry we don't have a more concrete solution for you! Easy to replace. There are so many of these extra tasks you need to do that you do not normally have to do with a house water heater or other parts. Watch This Video First! FYI, the thermostats themselves look like this, and that little gray cylindrical piece you see at the top of this thermostat is the actuator for resetting the hi-limit/E.C.O. Not too tight, but you do not want them loose either. It will be a black box about 5 inches square with a bundle of wires plus a high tension wire for the igniter. 5 Best Apps to Find Cheap Gas for Your RV & Car, How to Refill Your Motorhome Propane Tank. Every week we offer free tips, tricks, product reviews, and more to our online community of RVers. Resetting the inside switch will not clear the fault. In this quick guide, youll learn how to turn on an electric water heater in an RV step-by-step. If you are lucky, the valves may be outside next to other controls making their access very simple. These bypass kits should be on sale anywhere plumbing supplies are sold or at RV accessory outlets near you. Hadn't even considered the issue of the drop in flow when mixing temps! Once the valve is engaged, you can drain the tank and place your RV in storage for the winter. Accessing key components in RVs is hard to do at times but keep reading our article as it provides some key pieces of information to make your search go easier and faster. Looking to find our personal choices for great RVing gear? once you do that, the water heater is removed from the plumbing system in your RV and does not get any water sent to it. When something isnt working properly, for example when theres no hot water in your RV, the troubleshooting process begins. We checked to make sure the propane was turned all the way on at the tank. Check with your dealer or a trusted mechanic to see what is the best way to handle this issue. We will always respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time. You put out some great stuff. If you feel the reset button click back into place, that was your trouble. Does your health insurance travel with you? For some models, the water heater bypass valve is located under your stove. Hey Guys, That has to be the shiniest hot water heater exterior I have ever seen. Usually, it is used when you are winterizing your RV or storing it away. This is not usually a hard issue to deal with. The fact you said the rubber boot is burned/cracked at the electrode (assuming you have the DSI model) gives me pause as to what happened there on a new water heater. We had run the outside shower using both the hot and cold water, and while using it, we had turned the water off using the control on the showerhead, but wed left the hot and cold faucets turned on. Hopefully, after following these troubleshooting tips, you discovered that the issue causing you to have no hot water in your RV was solved as simply as ours was, and youve been able to enjoy a nice hot shower. Check out our: Watch us every Saturday morning at 8AM Eastern/Pacific, 7AM Central, 9AM Mountain on Discovery in the USA. Its possible the control module is toast. Thanks for the help everyone. To replace the check valve, youll need to drain your hot water tank, unscrew and pull off the old check valve (which youll do from behind the water heater where all the water connections are located depending on your RVs construction, you may have access to this from inside your RV), and replace it with a new one. switch looks like under the cover. You can tell if your RV water heater is gas or electric by consulting the owners manual for your specific brand and model of heater. Learn how your comment data is processed. On our Suburban, its under the outside cover in the very lower left corner, as shown here. Suburban has/does have a problem with their module boards going bad. If youd prefer to use another method to check on the propane level in your tank without a gauge, check out this post where we lead you step-by-step through this very simple method using nothing but some hot tap water. That means you have to get on your hands and knees, remove screws, then the panel. You have to remove the panel by removing the screws to get to it. Press the reset button on the unit, which is typically located on the control panel near the on/off water heater switch. If your RV does not have a bypass system for your water heater, you should install one. You should make a checklist for when you are going to winterize or store your RV. Important: Do NOT attempt to turn an electric RV water heater on without water in the water heater tank. That is where they hide the key components, and you have to spend hours looking for them. I took off the electrode assembly and they were bent and the two pieces were touching. Who Insures? Wait a minute or so and retry. Often your owners manual will have a list of troubleshooting steps that are particular to your brand and model, so this is always a great place to start. If you have a propane stove, you can simply light one of the burners to check for a constant, full flame. You can see how to check for a faulty thermostat using a multimeter in this video, and if you find you need to replace your thermostat, its one of the easiest DIY projects you can do, especially if youwatch our step-by-step tutorial video, below. Plenty of propane. The bypass valve stops water from entering the heater allowing you to drain it and protect the component from that possible damage. RVs are like homes they have a multitude of systems to tend to, such as plumbing and electrical systems. The location of the valves will have a lot to do with the size of your RV. We didn't know about the outside switch on the water heater so hopefully that's all it is! If you dont have your owners manual, you can tell whether its gas, electric, or a combination water heater by looking at the model number (which you can find on the access panel). I turned them off and now i can take a hot shower after 3 days of warm ones. 4. One word of advice, look in your owners manual to see if the company listed the location for you. But there is a dirty trick that can be played on you as well. It has to be turned in such a way to allow water to pass through without entering the water heater. So, today were looking at how you get hot water in your RV, what might be happening if the water stops running hot, and (hopefully) how to fix it. You can find these kits in most places where RV parts and accessories are sold. switches one for the electric heater and one for the propane heater. Here are the steps involved after you buy the right bypass kit: 1. This is one of the things you have to be careful of when you buy an RV. Don't know why it's lighting with the switch off. Some Forest River and other manufacturers RVs do not have a bypass valve. One of the best perks of camping in an RV is having the comforts of home right at your fingertips with one of the main comforts being hot water! Dont forget to mark which line is cold and which one is hot. The electric side has not worked in a year due to a bad element, which I replaced today. From what you are describing, it sounds like you have Direct Spark Ignition (DSI), which will not have a pilot light. RV makers hope you enjoy playing kids games like hide and seek. Just screw the bypass hose into place on each side of the new bypass route. Once in fail safe mode it will not light. You can spend hours looking for something that is not there. That could be a problem, or you could possibly have an electrode gone bad (or misaligned). The task is quite simple and very easy to do. It's a problem that's going to occur again. Installing the plate requires the unscrewing of the housing and placing the filter and gasket inside, and screwing the housing back on. That may be cheaper to buy and easier to install, but it is also a very weak way to bypass your water pump. When you get ready to use your RV, you just flush out the anti-freeze first, then close the bypass valve and open the other two valves so you can get hot water again. And as always, never walk away from a stove thats lit! Your 5-year-old should be able to handle the job without any trouble. That will save you a lot of replacement work down the line. If your propane tank is empty, or even if its very low, and youre trying to heat your water using propane, you wont get hot water. Ensure the circuit breaker is not tripped in the motorhome.