hot water heater

[2008FX4]

I was wondering if there is a way to make the hot water heater stay on longer? I run it on LP.and we turn the water off while washing hair and body. But by the end of washing off the water is coming out cold.

[Fishinghat]

Since the OP didn't have a problem last year and has been RVing for several years, we have to assume there is a problem with the water heater or plumbing.

The photo he recently posted shows the valve between the cold and hot to be closed, which is the way it should be. But, somehow the cold water is mixing with the hot. One possibility already mentioned is of the outside plumbing faucet valves left on and the water turned off at the hose end. Another possibility is one of the plumbing connections under the kitchen or bathroom sink is turned allowing the cold and hot water to mix. (My old HR Imperial had that option under the bathroom sink. It was to allow winterizing the coach.)

We've never run out of hot water and my wife enjoys NOT taking a Navy shower. (I do, but she doesn't, so she showers last. But, she doesn't run out of water so we're both happy.) So his problem must be in the plumbing someplace.

[2008FX4]

myredracer wrote:
It's easy to run out of hot water when showering and nothing unusual. First thing to do is go and buy an Oxygenics shower head (around $40). They use less water make a HUGE difference. If you happen to have an electric element, you can run that in addition to propane and you will have faster recovery on the tank.

We have had an Oxygenics shower head on 3 TTs now and have not had a problem with running out of hot water and have not had to use water saving techniques.

I have the LP and electric on. I didn't have the electric on last night since the switch is outside inside the HWH cover. I just forgot.

I'll be buying one of those shower heads when we go home tomorrow.

[myredracer]

It's easy to run out of hot water when showering and nothing unusual. First thing to do is go and buy an Oxygenics shower head (around $40). They use less water make a HUGE difference. If you happen to have an electric element, you can run that in addition to propane and you will have faster recovery on the tank.

We have had an Oxygenics shower head on 3 TTs now and have not had a problem with running out of hot water and have not had to use water saving techniques. Before installing the Oxygenics heads, I used to run out of water every time.

[myredracer]

It's easy to run out of hot water when showering and nothing unusual. First thing to do is go and buy an Oxygenics shower head (around $40). They use less water make a HUGE difference. If you happen to have an electric element, you can run that in addition to propane and you will have faster recovery on the tank.

We have had an Oxygenics shower head on 3 TTs now and have not had a problem with running out of hot water and have not had to use water saving techniques.

[myredracer]

It's easy to run out of hot water when showering and nothing unusual. First thing to do is go and buy an Oxygenics shower head (around $40). They use less water make a HUGE difference. If you happen to have an electric element, you can run that in addition to propane and you will have faster recovery on the tank.

We have had an Oxygenics shower head on 3 TTs now and have not had a problem with running out of hot water and have not had to use water saving techniques.

[2008FX4]

old guy wrote:
one solution many of us have found is buying a oygenics shower head. they use less water and you can take longer hot showers. some years ago my daughter , who had super thick hair would run out of hot water before getting the shampoo out of her hair. bought the new shower head and she even said "thanks Dad".

Thanks. I'll look into one of those!

[old_guy]

one solution many of us have found is buying a oygenics shower head. they use less water and you can take longer hot showers. some years ago my daughter , who had super thick hair would run out of hot water before getting the shampoo out of her hair. bought the new shower head and she even said "thanks Dad".

[2008FX4]

[APRSRVer]

"I think I have them right. There's no arrows saying off or on. So I have to guess."

When the valve lever or whatever you grab to turn the valve is crosswise to the pipe, the valve is closed. And, when it is in line with the pipe, the valve is open.

[ADK_Camper]

2008FX4 wrote:

Fishinghat wrote:
Since you've run out of hot water so quickly, it may be due to having the winterizing valves turned the wrong way. That causes the cold water to enter the top of the tank and almost immediately mix with or replace the hot water. So, check your valves.

Second, most experienced RV'ers take "Navy showers", where they turn on the water, get wet, turn off the water, soap up, then rinse off. This reduces the amount of water used considerably.

I think I have them right. There's no arrows saying off or on. So I have to guess.

And we take navy showers. I've been rving my whole life so I know that's just part of camping.

Your valves are probably "quarter turn" type. With them it's easy to tell if they are open or closed. When the valve is parallel to the pipe water flows; when it is perpendicular to the pipe water does not flow.

[Old-Biscuit]

What Brand/Model of water heater....Suburban/Atwood/6 gallon/10 gallon/dual heat---propane only?

How long does it take to heat water back up....recovery time? 20-30 minutes OR is it less time?

How many valves do you have on backside (inside rig) of water heater?
1, 2 or 3?
Cold inlet (bottom valve) needs to be OPEN
Bypass (line that connects cold/hot lines) needs to be CLOSED
Hot outlet (top valve if you have 3 valves) needs to be OPEN

Also check outside shower....cold/hot knobs need to be closed and not just turned off at handle.

Answer the questions and better solutions to 'cold water' issue can be posted.....otherwise it's just a guessing game

[2008FX4]

Caveman Charlie wrote:
Hum,,, I never have a problem. You say you have been RV'ing for a long time. Have you had this problem in the past with other water heater on other RV's? Or, is this a recent issue with a new to you RV?

Just this one. It worked great last year.

[2oldman]

2008FX4 wrote:
And we take navy showers. I've been rving my whole life so I know that's just part of camping.

It's not part of MY camping! 🙂

[BB_TX]

Run it on both propane and electric at the same time. Greatly improves recovery. The DW and I can take full showers right after each other and not run out of hot water.
Installing an Oxygenics shower head helps even more.