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billtex's avatar
billtex
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2015

Water heater help ASAP plz?!

Hi All, out with the Airstream this trip but need some ATWOOD water heater help. (Thought I would try here first.)

The other night heard a loud bang in the middle of the night, the whole camper shook. We thought a branch fell on us...looked around could not find anything...

Water heater seems to be running more frequently than usual. Pressure is fine.

Noticed a damp spot on floor in bath and also some dampness around water heater tank.

Are these all signs that the tank may have burst?

Anyone experience similar?

We have had a lot of campers...never had this happen before...

Tx, Bill
  • With the heater off , is there any water coming out of the heat exchanger tube ?
  • Yes, have ruled all that out...thx.
    Pressurized system with water pump-no leaks there as pump does not kick on at all.

    Turned the bypass this morning, will see if floor dries up.

    Wondering if the loud bang and frequent (hourly?) cycling of water heater = burst tank.
    Thx.
    B
  • Pop off valve should drain outside the camper if that went off. If you have water inside try the bypass for winterizing to stem the flow for now. If its an internal water line break you'll not have any water, obviously, till you can find out where and fix it. Not fun. Try the water heater bypass first. If it's the tank that should stop it leaking inside. If it's in the hot water line father down the system away from tank it will still leak. Could also be line into system from city water, if you were connected to that. Since the heater had been functioning erratically that could be the problem or a slow leak that finally gave way. In any car good luck to quick fix.
  • midnightsadie wrote:
    possible the safety valve released??

    Valve is working...thx