Troubleshooting a RV Propane Water Heater

No Hot Water

RV water heaters can be heated by several methods, one of which is propane. A camper should realize that RV propane water heaters can have issues that are typical of all water heaters, as well as other issues that are strictly due to propane. One issue could be that there is no hot water coming out but the tank is warm. This indicates that the heater is working. It is best to look for a reason hot water might be rerouted away from the faucet. The water heater bypass can be the cause of this. A lot of RVs--but not all--have a water heater bypass. The valves need to be switched to allow water to flow into the water heater. Another reason might be that more than one faucet is on at the same time. The water heater system allows cold water to flow over to the hot water side if water is requested in a second location.

Noise

Sometimes there can be a noise that needs to be identified. When the noise is coming from the propane burner, it could be that the air mixing gate is turned wrong. This is the where the gas enters the burner tube. The burner tube brings in air to stir with the propane. If it isn't pulling in air properly, a noise can sometimes be heard. The air intake can also cause the heating of the water to slow. If not enough air is mixing with the propane, the flame is low and doesn't burn as hot. This can cause the water heater not to keep enough heated water in the tank. Turning the handle that controls this gate can remove the noise and adjust the airflow.

Heater Won't Light

If the propane doesn't light at all when the water heater is set up for use, then it could be due to storage of the unit. Sometimes the air in the propane line takes awhile to bleed out. Also, the jet that the propane comes through to be lit can sometimes get clogged. Cleaning it out could solve the problem. If the pilot light is lit by an electronic connection, checking the wires could find a loose connection. If all else fails, a repairman may be needed.

Odor

If there is an odor in the water, then more than likely a bacteria has built up in the heater. To remove the odor, the tank needs to be drained and flushed out with a chlorine and water mixture. This kills the bacteria. When storing a tank for a long period of time, it is best if water is not left in the tank to decrease the chances of bacteria growing.