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BCook57 · 07-11-2011, 11:57 AM

Anyone have a recommendation for a reliable shop in Cincinnati where I might be able to get my water heater repaired next week?

I forgot to open one of the lines when I de-winterized, turned on the electric to the WH, and probably burned out the element in a flash.

eieioh · 07-11-2011, 01:20 PM

Where will you be staying in the Cinci area? If on the East side, like East Fork, Cowan Lake or Stonelick, call Sherwood Camper in Hillsboro. GREAT service and VERY reasonably priced. 937-393-3821.

I bought my rig there and get all my service done there.

ed

**JohnRR** · 07-11-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCook57

I forgot to open one of the lines when I de-winterized, turned on the electric to the WH, and probably burned out the element in a flash.

Have you actually tried leaving it on for a while to see if in fact it did burn up? I somewhow don't see a heating element burning out in a flash but then again I've never BTDT.

BCook57 · 07-12-2011, 07:26 AM

ED - thanks for the phone number; I'll give them a call.
John - I did turn it on after I got water into the tank, and it won't heat. Pretty sure it is toast. It is an Atwood, so I'm going to look to see if there is a reset button on the front. I've heard that some units won't start heating if it detects no water in the tank. Not sure if that includes Atwood.

Thanks for your suggestions.

**JohnRR** · 07-12-2011, 07:31 AM

I hope you find that button.

heybc · 07-12-2011, 09:13 AM

If you have basic tools, it might be a relatively easy DIY fix. I replaced the electric element on my suburban WH without much trouble. All kinds of info is available on-line.

BCook57 · 07-14-2011, 07:41 AM

I looked last night when I went to our storage area to turn on the refrigerator - no reset button that I could find.

As for me doing the repair - I might as well try to build a water heater from scratch. I'm good at a number of things, but mechanics/electricity etc aren't on the list. I use the most basic of tools - my telephone to make a service appointment.

I have an appointment at Midway in Grand Rapids, MI for the 25th. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

BCook57 · 07-26-2011, 07:52 AM

John RR - you were right, the water heater is not broken. We were running the generator during our trip to Cincinnati, and I simply checked the amps on the EMS panel. When I switched on the electric element, I noticed the amps increase by 13 - so it was calling for power. When we got to the FMCA campground in Cincinnati, I plugged in and set it to electric. Works fine. I just assumed I had fried it when I turned it on with no water in the tank. Good news for me.