Water Heater Question...


K

kevinfromwebb

New Member
Hey, got a quick question for anyone knowledgeable about such things... I"ve got a travel trailer with a manual light water heater... I can't remember the brand off hand... It's one where you turn the valve to pilot and press to light and then turn to on to heat... I can light the pilot light but the main gas never comes on... I changed the thermo coupler but that didn't do anything... I"m guessing it's in the main gas valve(box)... Can those be cleaned up or worked on... Went to a local dealer where I bought the thermal coupler and the valve is aprox. $250 and a new water heater is $400 plus install... Even the guy at the counter was surprised at the cost of the valve... The trailer is about 10 years old... Any ideas or help???

Kevin
 
K

kevinfromwebb

New Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

So I guess you can't just work on the valve??? With it being 10 years old would it be better just to replace the whole water heater???

Thanks for your help...

Kevin
 
Triple E

Triple E

Senior Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

Might be worth looking at replacing it with an on demand water heater or a new electronic controlled one. All depends on the labor plus the cost of the valve. I have always figured if a new is within 40% of fixing the old, the new wins. :approve:
 
cougarkid

cougarkid

Senior Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

You might want to make sure you are getting gas to the water heater. I mean BEFORE the control valve.

I am sure there is a better way, but........

I would turn the main gas valve off and unhook the gas line to the water heater before the valve.
Have someone turn the main valve on for a second or two while you listen/smell for gas.
Hear/smell gas = bad/stuck valve.
No gas = blockage somewhere else.

Similar but different issue I had:
Atwood furnace would not light. Blower would start, igniter would spark but the burner would not light. Switched out control boards (2 furnaces) but did not solve problem.
Figured it was the gas valve. Cost was approx. $200.00
Pulled the burner/igniter/gas valve assembly and the burner screen had blown apart.
Burner cost me $60.00.
Gas valve tested fine.
Reassembled assembly and reinstalled.
Works like new.

Check everything!
 
K

kevinfromwebb

New Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

I appreciate all yalls help... I believe I've got gas to the valve as I can light the pilot light with no problem... Someone at work mentioned an on demand water heater... Looked at those for the house but didn't think about them for the trailer... That's something I'll have to do a bit of research on... Anyone know much about them??? Cost, ease of install, etc. ???

Thanks again, Kevin
 
Grandview Trailer Sa

Grandview Trailer Sa

Senior Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

Well, the one thing with the On Demand heater is...you HAVE to have Elec. There is no gas option. If you want to use LP and Elec. you have to use an RV type heater. IF your only where you have Elec. one of those would work.
 
cougarkid

cougarkid

Senior Member
Re: Water Heater Question...

Kenneth, I disagree.

There are plenty of tankless water heaters available that operate on propane.

http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/v53i/

http://www.tanklesswaterheatersdirect.com/shop/tanklesswaterheaters/aquastar/aquastarindex.htm#2400E
The 1600H model - propane and no electric required.

http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Pr...Heater-with-Door-Trailer-RV-Camper_p_441.html

http://tweetys.com/girard-tankless-...uburban.aspx?gclid=CKi716fho6YCFcPt7Qod7W19bA

Have seen another model (can't find the link) that actually used 2 D-cell batteries for power.

I plan on replacing my RV in a couple of years or I would have one in mine now.
 
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