Water Heater Maintenance: Ensuring Hot Water on the Road
RV Water Heater Repair Seattle | Mobile RV Plumbing Services
Nothing beats a hot shower after a long day of hiking, driving, or exploring.. but only if your RV water heater is up for the task. If your water heater isn’t working like it used to, or you want to make sure it lasts all season, it might be time for a maintenance check.
At Odyssey Mobile RV Repair, we keep the hot water flowing for RVers all over Washington—from Seattle to the Canadian border. Here’s how to maintain your water heater and spot early signs of trouble.
1. Flush the Tank Regularly
Why It Matters: Sediment builds up inside your tank over time, especially with hard water. This reduces efficiency, shortens the life of your anode rod, and causes weird noises.
What to Do: Drain the tank fully, flush with clean water, and consider using a water heater flush wand for better results. We recommend flushing at least once per year—more often if you use your RV frequently.
2. Check and Replace the Anode Rod
Why It Matters: If you have a Suburban-style water heater, the anode rod protects your tank from corrosion. Once it’s used up, the tank starts to rust from the inside out.
What to Do: Inspect the rod at least once a season. If more than 75% of the rod is gone, it’s time to replace it. Keep a spare on hand—it’s a cheap insurance policy. When we winterize your unit, we check these items and flush your water heater at our appointment.
3. Inspect Burner-Ignitor assembly
Why It Matters: For propane water heaters, carbon buildup or rust can block the flame or prevent ignition.
What to Do: Clean the burner tube, inspect the flame (should be blue, not yellow), and verify the ignitor clicks. If you hear clicking with no flame, you may need a new ignitor or circuit board.
4. Test the Electric Element
Why It Matters: Combination water heaters use both propane and electric power. If one works and the other doesn’t, you may have a failed element or a blown fuse. The electric element is not really useful if you are boondocking, so be careful not to confuse the two. Using your water heater on propane is your true ‘water heating’ method when on the road. Electric needs shore power to work and will take a few hours to get warm enough water for a hot shower. If you aren’t sure, give us a call!
What to Do: Use a multimeter to test the element’s resistance. No reading means it’s time to replace. Also, check for tripped breakers and GFCIs.
5. Seal and Protect the Exterior Access Panel
Why It Matters: The water heater’s exterior access panel is exposed to the elements year-round. Water intrusion and bugs can wreak havoc.
What to Do: Reseal the edges if cracked. Check the burner chamber tube for wasps and debris. If your door is loose, it may need to be realigned or replaced.
Stay Warm and Comfortable
Whether your RV water heater runs on propane, electric, or both, keeping it in shape is essential for life on the road. Odyssey Mobile RV Repair offers on-site water heater repair and maintenance from Seattle to Bellingham.
Troubleshooting Your Suburban or Dometic RV Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Learn how to troubleshoot common RV water heater problems. Follow our step-by-step guide to keep your RV water heater in top shape on the road. Odyssey Mobile RV Repair operates out of Skagit Valley, in the pacific northwest.
To specify, we are not talking about AquaHot, Oasis or Hurricane Hydronic heating systems. Today we are talking tank-water heaters most common to RVs. We’re talking about the Dometic and Suburban Tank water heaters. The good ol fashioned, repairable, reliable, simple, robust kind of RV water heaters.
A working water heater is crucial for enjoying the comforts of any RV, whether you’re washing dishes or taking a warm shower after a long day. However, water heater problems can arise, leaving you with cold water when you least expect it.. not to mention, the potential for extensive water damage if not caught in time. This guide will walk you through common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Common RV Water Heater Problems
No Hot Water:
Possible causes include pilot light issues, a faulty heating element, or a tripped breaker/blown fuse.
Inconsistent Water Temperature:
Often caused by sediment buildup, thermostat issues (not the one on the wall), or a malfunctioning/incorrectly turned plumbing valve.
Water Heater Won’t Ignite:
Check for gas supply issues, debris in the burner assembly, or an electronic ignition failure. The gas orifice is sensitive and can be clogged by as little as a spiderweb.
Leaking Water Heater:
Typically due to loose connections, a cracked tank, or a failing pressure relief valve, also known as a P&T valve. If you do want to get another P&T valve in a pinch, big box stores carry them, but they will not fit inside the cover of your water heater.
Strange Noises:
Rumbling or popping sounds are often caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. “Now would be a great time for a tank flush, I will call Noah at Odyssey”, is what you should be thinking in this moment.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check the Power Supply:
If your water heater is electric, confirm it’s receiving 120V power (photo you see above) and check for tripped breakers. If it’s gas-powered, ensure your propane tank is full and the valves are open.
Inspect the Thermostat:
Test the thermostat for proper operation. Adjust the temperature settings and see if the issue resolves. If not, the thermostat may need replacement.
Examine the Pilot Light or Igniter:
For manual ignition systems, relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions. For electronic systems, check the igniter for dirt or corrosion.
Flush the Tank:
Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and cause noises. Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush the tank to remove sediment.
Inspect for Leaks:
Check connections, the pressure relief valve, and the tank itself for signs of leaks. Tighten connections or replace faulty components as needed.
Test Heating Elements:
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of electric heating elements. Replace if faulty.
Clean the Burner Assembly:
If your gas water heater won’t ignite, clean the burner assembly to remove debris that might be blocking gas flow.
Affiliate Product Recommendations
Note: These products are highly recommended for maintaining your RV water heater for longevity and reliability.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve followed these steps and your water heater still isn’t working, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Odyssey Mobile RV Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing RV water heaters across Washington’s I-5 corridor. From Skagit County to Tacoma, we’ll get your hot water flowing again.
Submit your service request now for the top mobile rv repair service in Washington state, based in Skagit Valley.
Tips for Preventing Future Problems
Flush the Tank Regularly:
Prevent sediment buildup by flushing the tank every 6-12 months. Consider how hard your water is in the area you are camping or even installing a water filter system.
Replace the Anode Rod:
Protect the tank from corrosion by replacing the anode rod annually or as needed.
Perform Routine Inspections:
Regularly check connections, valves, and components for signs of wear or leaks.
Use Quality Propane and Filters:
Ensure clean propane and filtered water to minimize deposits and contaminants.
Affiliate Disclosure
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