Using Your RV Water Heater
10-06-2017
Author: in We Wander Wherever
Most people don’t pay much attention to the water heater in their sticks-and-bricks home. The appliance just sits there and does its job without issue. Therefore, when a person steps into their brand-new RV, they may be left with questions about the proper operation, care, and keeping of their RV water heater.
Switch It On
First, you should know that RV water heaters require you to switch them on. They don't run continuously the way household units do. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect hot water to come out of the tap automatically. This means you’ll need to think ahead about when you might need hot water and flip the switch ahead of time.
Give it Time
Many RV newbies find themselves panicking when their water heaters have been on for 15 or 20 minutes and hot water still isn't running through the tap. However, this is no reason to panic. You see, the water heater can take quite some time to heat a full tank of water, especially if it’s cold out. Try to give your heater a full 30–60 minutes to heat up before using the hot water.
Limit Hot Water Usage
RV water heaters typically hold around 6 gallons of water. This means that once you use those 6 gallons of hot water, you’ll have to wait for more water to heat up. 6 gallons doesn't go far, so be sure to limit hot water usage by taking “navy showers” and shutting the water off between rinses when washing dishes.
Unless you plan to use the hot water again shortly, you will probably want to shut off your water heater after using it. If your heater runs on propane, you won't want to waste propane running it when you aren’t even going to use it. Even if you’re using electricity to heat your water, it’s a good idea to turn it off between uses to avoid accidentally burning out your heating element—something that could happen if the tank becomes empty for any reason while running.
Replace the Plug
About once a year, you will want to take the time to replace the plug and—if you have one—the anode rod in your water heater. While doing this, be sure to rinse the tank out, removing any built-up gunk that may have accumulated. If your tank seems extra gunky, consider rinsing it with white vinegar while you’re at it.
Prepare for Winter
If a hot water tank is full during a winter freeze, it could potentially burst, causing a big headache for all involved. Therefore, you will want to be sure to prepare your water heater for winter by emptying it out before any big freezes happen. That said, you needn’t fill that particular tank with antifreeze, so be sure to flip that bypass switch before you fill the rest of the water lines with it.
Related Read: Hydronic Heating Systems in your RV
In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of owning one of these tiny water heaters. I hope these tips help you use and maintain your water heater for years to come.Switch It On
First, you should know that RV water heaters require you to switch them on. They don't run continuously the way household units do. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect hot water to come out of the tap automatically. This means you’ll need to think ahead about when you might need hot water and flip the switch ahead of time.
Give it Time
Many RV newbies find themselves panicking when their water heaters have been on for 15 or 20 minutes and hot water still isn't running through the tap. However, this is no reason to panic. You see, the water heater can take quite some time to heat a full tank of water, especially if it’s cold out. Try to give your heater a full 30–60 minutes to heat up before using the hot water.
Limit Hot Water Usage
RV water heaters typically hold around 6 gallons of water. This means that once you use those 6 gallons of hot water, you’ll have to wait for more water to heat up. 6 gallons doesn't go far, so be sure to limit hot water usage by taking “navy showers” and shutting the water off between rinses when washing dishes.
Related Read: 5 Upgrades Every Fulltimer Should Consider
Switch it OffUnless you plan to use the hot water again shortly, you will probably want to shut off your water heater after using it. If your heater runs on propane, you won't want to waste propane running it when you aren’t even going to use it. Even if you’re using electricity to heat your water, it’s a good idea to turn it off between uses to avoid accidentally burning out your heating element—something that could happen if the tank becomes empty for any reason while running.
Related Read: Propane- Questions Answered
Replace the Plug
About once a year, you will want to take the time to replace the plug and—if you have one—the anode rod in your water heater. While doing this, be sure to rinse the tank out, removing any built-up gunk that may have accumulated. If your tank seems extra gunky, consider rinsing it with white vinegar while you’re at it.
Prepare for Winter
If a hot water tank is full during a winter freeze, it could potentially burst, causing a big headache for all involved. Therefore, you will want to be sure to prepare your water heater for winter by emptying it out before any big freezes happen. That said, you needn’t fill that particular tank with antifreeze, so be sure to flip that bypass switch before you fill the rest of the water lines with it.
Related Read: Camping During the Winter Months
By using these tips and tricks, your RV water heater should stay in tip-top condition for quite some time! Have a tip to add? Please share in the comments section.Comment
BudBondJanuary 1, 2018 | 08:22 AM
Probably the most important thing to remember is to make sure there is water in the water heater before turning it on. Many of us have destroyed parts by firing up a dry heater. Carefully open the pressure relief valve to see if the tank is full before switching on the heat.
Author: Chelsea Barron
