[NewellCrazy]

Archie,

Here are some troubleshooting tips.

[h=4]WATER HEATER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE[/h] Water heater should be drained on a regular basis (Every six months during heavy use and annually for weekend trips.) Shut off heater and insure that the water is cool by waiting or running water through it until cold. Carefully remove drain plug, allow water to drain, and flush tank with fresh water. (RV parts suppliers sell a small 90 degree nozzle that helps flushing lime out of the heater) They also sell spare teflon drain plugs which will be very handy when you twist off one that is seated too well! It can be removed using a hacksaw blade to split the threaded portion of the plug which can then easily be removed with needle nose pliers.


If large amounts of lime (white gunk) are present filling the water heater with at least one bottle (20 oz) of vinegar, topping off the tank, turning the heater on, and allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes will dissolve the lime. If your water heater’s drain is not on the bottom of the tank fill the tank up to the drain with vinegar , install plug and run water through the closest hot water faucet until tank is full and water starts flowing. After allowing vinegar to dissolve the lime drain tank, allow heater to cool, flush again and then run water through closest faucet until clear. You may plug up the diffuser on the faucet that will have to be removed and flushed.

Hot Water Odor



There is a bacteria that sometimes thrives in hot water tanks that smells like rotten eggs (sulphur); Odds are that is what you have. Antifreeze in the tank is not a problem, though it will smell like antifreeze. In any case, flush the water system thoroughly and sanitize with a strong chlorine solution. We have sanitizing instructions in the forum Library (see Library in the link bar above the messages).

No Hot Water At Faucets but Tank is Hot



You may or may not have a water heater bypass, but if you do, then it may be in the bypass position. Most RV’s have one, two, or three valves that need to be switched for the bypass; check your manual or call technical support.

You can also get this symptom if the shower water taps are on and the water flow shut off at the nozzle/head. Remember you probably have an outside shower too. Cold water will flow across the valves into the hot side when you open another tap elsewhere, displacing the hot water you are expecting to get. Close the shower valves and the problem disappears.