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RVcrazy's avatar
RVcrazy
Explorer
May 09, 2020

Suburban water heater only warm?

Our Suburban 10 gallon SWE is only getting lukewarm. Both propane and electric seem to be working. Neither pressure relief valve on the outside of the RV seemed to push in to reset. Are we correct in thinking it is the thermostat? If so, is DIY resonable, or do we hire it done? Thanks!

6 Replies

  • dougrainer wrote:
    rbp111 wrote:
    I have a Suburban 15gal water heater that is 5 years old. My heater put out lukewarm water. I tried everything, but finally went to a dealer and they changed out the heating element, which was not hard to do. I got mine fixed free because of a extended warranty, but I am telling you this about the element which can be changed by anyone.


    Can you post the Model number? I have never heard of a 15 gallon Suburban. Most are 6 and 10. Doug


    They make a 16 gallon one.

    https://www.rvpartscountry.com/Suburban-SW16DE-Porcelain-Lined-Steel-Tank-Water-Heater-16-gal_p_28452.html
  • rbp111 wrote:
    I have a Suburban 15gal water heater that is 5 years old. My heater put out lukewarm water. I tried everything, but finally went to a dealer and they changed out the heating element, which was not hard to do. I got mine fixed free because of a extended warranty, but I am telling you this about the element which can be changed by anyone.


    Can you post the Model number? I have never heard of a 15 gallon Suburban. Most are 6 and 10. Doug
  • I have a Suburban 15gal water heater that is 5 years old. My heater put out lukewarm water. I tried everything, but finally went to a dealer and they changed out the heating element, which was not hard to do. I got mine fixed free because of a extended warranty, but I am telling you this about the element which can be changed by anyone.
  • Check the bypass valve positions. If the winter bypass is slightly open it can cause this.

    Check the outside shower. Make sure the shower head is open and the valves (knobs) are closed.

    Verify that the inside shower valves are closed as well.
  • That is not a pressure relief valve/s. Those are manual tstat reset buttons. If the LP flame comes ON and you get lukewarm water when on 120, those tstat resets are OK. Doug