Easy RV Water Heater Replacement to Enjoy Hot Showers

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a hot shower on a cold morning. What do you do, though, when your hot water runs tepid or even cold? You could go to the campground shower facilities… if they have them. Many people, however, would prefer not to tote their personal products and trudge through a crowded RV park to the nearest bathhouse, especially when they're used to using their own bathroom.

Related Read: Bathhouse Etiquette

Plus, a bad water heater could result in more than goose-bumps, so it's a good idea to address the situation early. The first signs of water heater trouble include intermittent hot water or its breaker getting tripped. It's a more serious indication if the Co2 sensors begin going off regularly. If the shore-power breaker keeps getting tripped, addressing the heater is an urgent matter. This means your RV water heater is heavily shorting out, which could result in a fire. Fortunately, replacing your water heater is an easy task when you follow these steps.

Choosing Your Water Heater
Some people take this opportunity to upgrade to an on-demand hot water system. This may be a good option for those who are primarily stationary, and are willing to do the work to retrofit it in the original space or a different one. For people who relocate frequently or travel full-time, they are considered unreliable.
Typically, people replace the existing water heater with an identical unit. This ensures that they will fit in the allotted space and will be able to use the current plumbing with relative ease.

Related Read: Using Your RV Water Heater

Safely Shut off the Propane
If your unit runs on propane or on both electricity and propane, the first step is to shut off the propane. Then, you should drain the propane line by burning off the excess. Check your RV owner's manual, but usually you can do this by turning on your cook stove before beginning. Just light it to burn the gas off until the flame extinguishes.

Remove the Outer Bezel
Then, begin the process of removing the old water heater. The exterior bezel is commonly held on by four screws and butyl tape. Remove the four screws that hold the water heater to the bezel, and pull off the tape. Once the screws are out, you can take off the bezel by pulling it toward you from the inside. Then, scrape off any remaining butyl tape with a putty or spackling knife. Just be sure not to scratch your paint.

Drain the Water Heater Tank and Disconnect the Lines
Once the bezel has been removed, you need to shut off the water flow at the manifold to drain the tank located at the bottom of the water heater. Loosen the large nut on the exterior front. Then stand back, since the water will pour out as soon as the reservoir is opened.
The drained heater will be significantly lighter, which makes it easier to manipulate. This allows you to push it back slightly, so you can turn it enough to get to the water lines, which are located on the back. These are usually pex lines and only require a standard wrench to loosen and disconnect.

Disconnect Electrical Lines and Remove the Old Water Heater
The next step is to turn off the electricity so you can disconnect the electrical lines. Before doing so, it's a good idea to take several pictures of the electrical lines to make sure you'll have an accurate idea of how to hook them up to the new water heater. The descriptions provided in the manuals of most water heaters are poor and difficult to follow. Therefore, you should make sure to take plenty of photos. Then, use wire cutters to cut the electrical lines.
Once all the electric wires have been cut, remove the old water heater. Often placed snugly, they may be difficult to get to. It may take a good plan and some creative thinking to get it out.

Related Read: How to Replace Your RV Shower Parts

Install the Replacement Water Heater
Partially slide the replacement water heater into the same location the old one was in. Hook up the water lines, but avoid over-tightening. If the connections break, you would need another new unit. Rather, use plumber's tape over the water connection threads to seal the connections and prevent leaking.
Then, consult your pictures to match up and reconnect the electrical lines. Use crimp and twist connectors, and then securely wrap them with electrical tape.

Properly Secure the New Water Heater
Once the electrical lines are all reconnected, pull the water heater forward to be completely flush with the backside of the outer wall of the RV. Apply a new layer of butyl tape around the opening. Hold the bezel to the opening and twist the four screws back in to secure it in place.
This needs to be airtight so CO2 doesn't seep into the interior of the RV, but escapes out the venting system. Take this seriously; otherwise it could be life-threatening.

Reconnect the Propane
Once everything is in place, secure the water heater using the screws included with the new system. These prevent it from moving around. Connect the propane line by threading it through the rubber hole and tightening it to the threaded receiver on the water heater.
Turn the propane back on at the tank. Press the ignition button. If all is connected properly, it will ignite the propane line and begin heating the water.

Test the Water Heater
Leave the water heater on for an hour or more to check the electrical heating element on the new installation. You can test its heating capacity be releasing water from the overheat valve on the exterior front of the water heater. The water should be hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.
If it doesn’t heat, check the correctness of electrical connections. Make sure the breaker is back on, and your 120-power is connected properly. Check to ensure your propane is on as well.

In Conclusion
Hot water hasn't been considered a luxury for a very long time, and if your water heater isn't getting the job done, it can be more than a hassle. By following these simple steps—along with a few tools, and a quality unit—you can easily turn that hot water back on. As with any DIY project, however, if you do not feel you can competently and—most importantly—safely get the job done, hire a professional. Your home and your health are too important to risk.