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redT2go's avatar
redT2go
Explorer
Mar 26, 2016

Stranded without hot water.

This is our first camping trip with our motorhome. So we r trying to get hot water. This is what we have done so far: we had the switch on bypass by accident and have since corrected this. Before we corrected this the electric was running for 1-2 hours and then we turned on the propane. So we were heating the tank without water by accident. Now the switch is off bypass and water is in tank. We have tried propane and electric but still no hot water. The flame was visable on the hot water tank. The panel switch inside the motorhome flashed red for a moment but they r not on now. Not sure if that is normal or not. Any suggestions?? It's a little chilly and staying at campground without facilities.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Mar 26, 2016
    This may sound crazy, but on both your inside and outside shower, make sure that the handles are completely shut off and not just the shower nozzle. I've read several cases recently where this solved the same kind of problem you're having.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Mar 26, 2016
    you burned the electric elemant up so that needs replaced.If it is a attwood water heater go outside unplug the ignition board in the upper right corner and replug it back in then try it again
  • boogie_4wheel's avatar
    boogie_4wheel
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2016
    Electric element may be burned out from being powered without water in the tank.

    Run on propane...
    Turn on switch. Light will illuminate for a few seconds and then the water heater should light and the switch light will go out. The burner will remain lit until the water is hot (~10-15 minutes depending on your water heater size. I've never timed mine, I'm just grasping a time out of the air).

    You could walk outside and listen for the burner and feel heat from the water heater door on the outside.

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