How to Install a Suburban Hot Water Heater in an RV
Suburban offers a range of hot water heaters designed to fit the requirements of almost any recreational vehicle. Suburban sells gas- and gas/electric-fueled units, models with porcelain linings to prolong tank life, pre-installed anode rods to reduce electrolytic corrosion and several types of insulation jackets. Their unit sizes range from four to 16 gallons, and are made with a choice of flush or standard-mount doors. They also manufacture a "motor-aid" product which uses the heat created by a running engine. Decide on which level of provision will best suit your needs before buying a unit to install.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Inspect the unit you will be replacing and note its gallon capacity, the door type (flush or standard) and the external dimensions. Have this information with you when you buy the new water heater. If you are downsizing the gallon capacity, make sure you buy the necessary trim flanges that finish off the job in a smart and professional way.
-
2
Position cold-water feed and hot-water supply pipes, the electrical harness, the propane gas line and the exhaust vent (if present) so they will not catch on the new Suburban hot water heater as you install it. Lift the unit into the service bay set aside for water heaters, and position it so it is easy to locate the wires and pipes in their respective ports and connectors. Ensure the unit makes no physical contact with its enclosure except at the bottom.
-
-
3
Attach the hot water heater to the floor of its cabinets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically Suburban hot water heaters are secured by passing screws through a series of holes in two flanges, one on either side of the unit running from front to back, and fastening them down.
-
4
Connect the two water pipes and the propane pipe to their respective ports using properly rated thread sealing tapes. Connect the wiring harness. As long as you are replacing one Suburban hot water heater with another, the harness connectors should fit together. If not, consult your RV and Suburban manuals to determine which wires should be mated together and join them with removable inline connectors. Make a wiring diagram showing the color codes and the purpose of each wire, and glue the wiring diagram to the inside of the service hatch. Connect the exhaust vent (if present).
-
5
Fit any trim flanges necessary to give a factory-finished appearance to your installation.
-
6
Read and understand the operation instructions particular to your model of water heater, and test the unit's functionality by following the soundness tests and start-up procedure.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be certain to fully drain the old unit before removing it to limit splashing and reduce its weight.
Suburban will mail or email copies of its owners' manuals regardless of how old the unit may be. Contact their customer service personnel at 423-775-2131.
Never light a hot water heater without being sure it is full of water.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit burners ,gas image by Andrzej Thiel from Fotolia.com
