How to Replace RV Water Heaters
A number of issues can cause an RV's water heater to rupture or develop holes. Some of the more common causes are leaving water in the tank during a winter freeze (which makes the frozen water expand and bust the tank), not turning the bypass valve on and letting the heat melt holes, or corrosion in the tank. If any leaks or holes develop in your water heater, you're better off replacing it rather than trying to repair the holes.
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Instructions
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Removal
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1
Turn off the vehicle's propane tanks and then disconnect the gas line from the water heater at the point where it is accessible on the outside of the vehicle; most of the lines should take an open-ended wrench. Disconnect any wiring connected to the tank on the outside as well.
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2
Disconnect the water lines that are connected to the heater, taking note of which port the lines are connected to. These lines should be accessible from inside the vehicle.
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3
Unscrew the mounting screws holding the water heater in its compartment using a screwdriver. These screws are located along the outside perimeter of the compartment near the door. Slide the heater out of the compartment.
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4
Clean off the butyl putty tape from the outside edge of the water heater compartment using a scraping tool. Make sure the surface is clean and apply strips of fresh tape to the perimeter near the compartment's opening.
Installation
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5
Slide the replacement water heater in place, making sure it is seated firmly within the compartment. Screw in the mounting screws around the opening's perimeter, alternating from one edge to the other with each screw to fit the heater evenly.
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6
Connect the water lines to the correct port on the heater from inside the RV, then connect the control wiring followed by the gas line on the outside.
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7
Turn on the RV's gas tank. Spray soapy water onto the gas line fittings and look for bubbles that indicate leaks.
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8
Turn on the RV's gas tank. Spray soapy water onto the gas line fittings and look for bubbles that indicate leaks.
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9
Fill the heater's water tank with water by turning on the water line. Look for leaks at the water line fittings.
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10
Light the new water heater and observe its operation, as it takes a few minutes to heat the water. Turn on one of the faucets in the vehicle to make sure you get hot water, then let the heater run a full cycle to ensure the burner correctly shuts off.
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Tips & Warnings
Draining the water heater prior to the first freeze of the winter season is one of the best ways to avoid having to prematurely replace an RV's water heater.
Lighting the water heater depends on your RV model. It may have a pilot light that you must light yourself, or it may have a switch that operates a direct ignition system.
References
- Photo Credit rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
