Water heater being weird / air came out pressure valve.

[Losangeles]

Hot water heater won’t work. At all.

We have used the water heater on our 2017 21’ on both 110v and also on propane. In April was last time.

So yesterday before we left I made sure that the anode was in

I made sure to run the water thru hot side of tap to make sure water filled the hot water tank

So we get to campsite this aft. 110v is good. Built in surge protector says E 0. Meaning all is good.
Hooked up to shore water. Again Ran hot side of tap to make sure flowing.

Turned ON electrical water heating system - the electrical switch right on the water heater.

Cooked dinner with propane stove in escape.

Went to wash dishes and no hot water. Weird.

Water runs but not hot at all

Then turned on Gas Hot water heating system switch. Switch lights up but hot water gas system does not light.

NO DSI FLT lite goes on.

But can’t get hot water system to light.

Then I cautiously open the pressure relief valve on hot water heater and only AIR comes out. No water. Shouldn’t water come out of there ?

I also pressed both reset buttons on water heater just in case. They are both in.

The gas furnace does work. Confirming propane is flowing.

The only other clue is - we were 3 miles on a washboard - slowly - on our way here. For a short while.

Could a valve have gone weird in the guts?

Oh and I did look at the fuse / breaker box and all are fine and good.

Any thoughts? I am baffled.

Thanks.

John.

[Viajante]

Do you have the water heater in bypass mode?

[Donna D.]

Did the by pass valve get turned somehow? IF you're hooked up to city water, you'll still get water out of the hot water taps, even if the hot water heater is empty. IF the tank is empty, it's possible you've burned out the electric element. Don't panic, it's only about $20. (Don't ask me how I know).

[Losangeles]

oh my gosh this forum is awesome.

:-)

Ok so when Reace came to fix the hot water pipe issue - after we were last camping - he must have left the hot water heater in bypass.

He did.

Ok so now it is not in bypass - hot water came out. Yay!!!

Evidently there was enough water in it to not burn out.

However we only have 110 v tonight - boondocking next 4 nights.

I can’t figure out why the gas water heater system won’t light.

Stove and air heater work fine now on gas.

The hot water is nice and hot - by electricity - so maybe the gas now won’t light because the water is plenty hot?

Is there some sort of a “not light the gas” sensor over ride?

And

Should we try gas water heating in the morning before turning on electrical water heater switch?


Thanks for the tips!!

:-)

John

[Ron in BC]

I don't see you saying that you opened the hot water tap and after the usual burping and spitting of air the water started to flow.

If you had the anode out then that should of happened. If it didn't, I too, would question if you water tank valve is in the by-pass position.

Ron

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I don't see you saying that you opened the hot water tap and after the usual burping and spitting of air the water started to flow.

If you had the anode out then that should of happened. If it didn't, I too, would question if you water tank valve is in the by-pass position.

Ron

Thanks Ron

Yes bypass was the culprit. :-)

Except gas water heater won’t light. See my post just above....

UPDATE - I was just able to get the gas water heater system to light on gas. Yay!

So is there a heat over ride that prevents the gas water heater from lighting if it is hot enough from 110 v already?

Thanks. :-)

[Ron in BC]

Good, always nice to have a problem solved.

I wouldn't think that the tank would have to be preheated on 110 V because if you were boondocking you'd be out of luck.

Who knows, sometimes things just don't work the way they should.

Ron

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Losangeles

The hot water is nice and hot - by electricity - so maybe the gas now won’t light because the water is plenty hot?

Likely. The gas burner and the electric heater are each controlled by their own thermostats, typically set at the same temperature. If the water is already up to that temperature (by operating the electric heater), the gas burner won't see any need to fire up. Let the water cool (or run hot water out the tap so cold water replaces it), with the electric heater off, and the gas burner should then fire up.

[Patandlinda]

I have a question . Could you turn the hot on to burp and fill the water heater from the outside shower . Reason is then you wouldn't put water in th grey tank .or do you hav to turn on the facets ? Pat

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

I have a question . Could you turn the hot on to burp and fill the water heater from the outside shower . Reason is then you wouldn't put water in th grey tank .or do you hav to turn on the facets ? Pat

Outside shower should work the same to fill the HW heater. The only difference would be that you’d still have air in your sink lines, but those will be purged the first time you use them.

[kstock11]

If I’m concerned about filling the grey tank when purging the lines, I run the water into a removable plastic basin in the sink and then pour outside.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Likely. The gas burner and the electric heater are each controlled by their own thermostats, typically set at the same temperature. If the water is already up to that temperature (by operating the electric heater), the gas burner won't see any need to fire up. Let the water cool (or run hot water out the tap so cold water replaces it), with the electric heater off, and the gas burner should then fire up.

Yes, both thermostats on the SW6DE control to maintain 130F water. The manual states that the water must be below 110F to activate either the burner or electric element.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Outside shower should work the same to fill the HW heater. The only difference would be that you’d still have air in your sink lines, but those will be purged the first time you use them.

Thankyou . I was wondering . Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by kstock11

If I’m concerned about filling the grey tank when purging the lines, I run the water into a removable plastic basin in the sink and then pour outside.

Yes if at home not a issue . Our grey tank is pretty small and don't like to add water to it if not necessary and there is another way . Thankyou, Pat