RV Hot Water Heater

An RV hot water heater is an important part of any recreational vehicle from travel trailers, campers and fifth wheels to tent trailers and more. There are tankless & solar types by Atwood and other brands that can be purchased to upgrade or replace an existing unit.

There are different problems and troubleshooting that surround this particular rv part. It's important for obvious reasons. Having hot water while on the road and at rv parks is a basic necessity for those that want to keep clean. You can use this water for bathing, washing your hands and even hot water depending on the type of water system and filtration you have. The article below discusses the importance of the rv hot water heater.

Water Heaters for RV's and Motorhomes
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ray_Oberreuter]Ray Oberreuter

The majority of RV water heaters and motorhome water heaters are either Suburban water heaters or Atwood water heaters. RVs, which do not have Suburban or Atwood water heaters, are usually high end motor homes which may have either instantaneous water heaters or some type of engine assist water heaters. Here we're going discuss leaking, weeping water heaters, or more specifically weeping pressure temperature relief valves. (Commonly referred to as P&T relief value).

P&T relief valves can be an area of confusion for Rv'ers until they understand the purpose and function of the P&T valve and whether or not they are functioning properly. In other words a P&T valve which is always weeping way not necessarily be bad. Let me explain why.

PURPOSE OF P&T RELIEF VALVE

RV Hot Water Heater Video

RV water systems are closed systems, which mean there must be a means of relieving excess pressure when it develops. The obvious question then is what would cause excess pressure to develop in the tank. We know H2O expands when heated so we might then conclude there is always excess pressure in the water tank. This is true...only to a point however. A properly functioning RV water heater always has an air expansion pocket in the top of the tank. What is an air expansion pocket? It is simply an air pocket, which naturally forms in the water heater tank when it is filled.

RV HOT WATER HEATERS by Camco

As long as this air expansion pocket is of sufficient size, the only time the P&T relief water valve will weep is during the heating cycle. However, as hot water is taken from the tank the size of the air expansion pocket will diminish eventually to the point where the tank is practically full of water. When it reaches this point the inside pressure of the tank will almost always be excessive ( over the 125/150 psi rating for the P&T valve) resulting in excessive weeping of the P&T valve. Rv'ers not aware of this may mistakenly conclude the P&T valve is bad when it is not. To further complicate matters they may replace the valve and in the process re-introduce an adequate air expansion pocket and then it will naturally work fine.... until the air expansion pocket is diminished again and the whole process repeats itself. Rv'ers replacing numerous P&T valves are most likely doing it needlessly. So what is the answer? Reintroduce an adequate air expansion pocket and this is how it is done:

1. Turn water heater off.

2. Turn off water supply (city H2O or H2O pump).

3. Open closest hot H2O faucet in RV.

4. Open the P&T valve by pulling on handle at end of valve and allow H2O to flow until it stops.

5. Release handle on P&T valve - it should snap shut. ( do this a couple of times as it may stick).

6. Close hot water faucet.

7. Turn on H2O supply - Now that everything is closed the tank will refill and air expansion pocket will be re-established.

Repeat the above procedure if P&T valve continues to weep between heating cycles. If this is not successful then the P&T valve should be replaced.

Ray has a web site on rvs with technical help for problems like LP, chassis, deep cycle batteries, electricity and much more. http://rv-motorhome-answers.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Water-Heaters-for-RVs-and-Motorhomes&id=431286] Water Heaters for RV's and Motorhomes

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As you can see, getting an rv hot water heater working again and troubleshooting whether repairs are needed or if a new replacement part should be bought. If the problem is an anode rod, then taking your rv to a professional may be needed. Make sure to get this done before the RVing season begins because without an rv hot water heater, your trip may not be as enjoyable as it could be.

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