Troubleshooting and Repairing an RV Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide & HOW TO

RV water heaters are an essential component of any recreational vehicle, providing hot water for showers, dishes, and general use. However, like any mechanical device, water heaters can sometimes stop working or malfunction. If your RV's water heater has stopped working, there are a few steps you can take to try andd diagnose and fix the problem.


Step 1: Check the circuit breakers
The first thing you should do when your RV's water heater stops working is to check the circuit breaker. The water heater is typically connected to a dedicated circuit breaker, which can trip if there is an overload or short circuit. If the circuit breaker has tripped, simply reset it and see if the water heater starts working again. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, there may be an issue with the water heater itself that needss to be addressed.


Step 2: Check the propane
If the circuit breaker is not the issue, the next thing you should check is the propane supply. The water heater in an RV typically runs on propane gas, so if the tanks are empty or the gas lines are not connected properly, the water heater will not work. Make sure that the propane tanks are full and that the gass lines are securely connected to the water heater. If the propane tanks are full and the gas lines are properly connected, but the water heater still does not work, there may be a problem with the heating element or thermostat.


Step 3: Test the heating element
To test the heating element, you will need a multimeter. With the water heater turned off, set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the leads to the heating element terminals. The reading should be within the range specified in the owner's manual. If the reading is not within this range, it could mean that the heating element is faulty and will need to be replaced.


Step 4: Test the thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in the tank, sooo if it is not functioning properly, the water heater will not work properly. To test the thermostat, you will need to locate the access panel on the water heater and locate the thermostat. With the water heater turned off, set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the leads to the thermostat terminals. The reading should be within the range specified in the owner's manual. If the reading is not within this range, it could mean that the thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced.


Step 5: Bring in a professional
If you are unable to diagnose and fix the problem yourself, you may need to bring your RV to a professional mechanic or RV repair shop for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs to get your water heater working again.


Checklist for troubleshooting an RV water heater::

• Check the circuit breaker
• Check the propane tanks and gas lines
• Test the heating element with a multimeter
• Test the thermostat with a multimeter
• Bring in a professional if necessary​