Simple DIY Propane RV Water Heater Troubleshooting And Repairs
Posted on: 22 February 2022
One of the biggest advantages of traveling the country in an RV instead of tent camping is the ability to take a hot shower or wash dishes whenever you want. And, when your RV's gas water heater stops working it's not one of those things you can delay fixing!
Whether you are boondocked far from an RV repair service or low on cash and trying to avoid calling a mobile RV water heater repair service, there are a few simple repairs you may be able to make yourself, including:
Check to See if Your RV Has Cold Water
Before you start troubleshooting the water heater, first check to see if the cold water is working.
If it is, then the problem is with the hot water supply lines or water heater.
If the cold water is not working, then the problem is likely a failed water pump or your main water bypass valve is turned off.
Make Sure the Hot Water Heater's Bypass Valve is Not Turned Off
If your RV was winterized and the water heater's bypass valve was turned off, then it may still be off. Or, someone may have walked by and accidentally hit the valve, turned it off in error, or even road vibration may have caused it to move.
The good news is a closed bypass valve is a simple thing to rectify. As soon as you turn the valve back on your RV will have hot water again.
Check the Pilot Light
A water heater utilizing propane gas always has a pilot light burning. This small flame continually burns a small amount of gas and serves as the ignition source for the water heater's burner.
Pilot lights will go out if there is any disruption in the gas flow and can also be blown out.
If the water heater's pilot light is out, then first check to make sure you still have propane in your tank. If there is gas, then make sure the tank is turned on and supplying gas.
If you have gas, then relight the pilot light by placing a long match or lighter next to it.
Finally, there is a thermocouple between the gas line and the pilot light that controls the flow of gas. This part can become clogged or damaged. When this happens, the pilot light will continually go out for seemingly no reason at all. So, if the pilot light on your water heater goes out again, you should consider having the thermocouple replaced.
To learn more, contact a company like AA Mobile RV Repair.
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