Common RV Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them
If you’ve had your RV for a while, then the chances are good that you have dealt with some problem with the water heater. You may even be wondering if it’s time to replace it altogether and get something new. Before you do anything rash, read this article about rv water system troubleshooting and how to fix them.
Insufficient Hot Water
One of the most common problems with an RV water heater is that there isn’t enough hot water. A variety of things can cause this, but often it’s because the water tank is too small. If this is your issue, you’ll need to upgrade your tank or find another way to heat more water. Another common issue is that the water heater can’t keep up with the demand. If you have many people trying to take showers at the same time, then this will be an obvious problem. One way to help alleviate this is by installing a tankless water heater, which doesn’t require a large tank to work.
Water Doesn’t Heat Up
If the water is heated but not reaching the desired temperature, there may be a problem with the thermostat. You can usually fix this by replacing the thermostat or adjusting its settings. Another possibility is that the burner isn’t working correctly, in which case you’ll need to have it serviced or replaced. If none of these solutions seem to be working, then it may be time to replace your RV water heater altogether.
Water Has Foul Smell
If your water smells bad, you should change the anode rod. This is a metal bar that absorbs all of the impurities in your water and helps to remove them from your system. However, it does wear down over time and will need to be replaced every few years. If this doesn’t do the trick, then there may be something else wrong with your water heater, and you’ll need to have it serviced.
Soot Build-Up
Soot build-up is another common problem you may run into with your water heater. This can be remedied by simply washing off the tank’s exterior. If this doesn’t work, it could mean that debris has made its way inside the unit and needs to be removed. You’ll need to have someone take apart the system and clean it out to get rid of the soot. If you have an electric water heater, there may be a problem with the pilot light. This is usually remedied by simply relighting it and can often be done in just a few minutes.
