Atwood Hot Water Heater

[Mike R]

I am having problems with my Atwood hot water heater on my '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39S. Last year when new, the hot water heater produced very hot water while using the electric heating element. This year on electric the water only gets warm but not hot. While showering we now just turn the hot water on and not the cold.

Does anyone have any suggests regarding the cause? My exterior shower faucets are in the off position so that isn't the problem.

Has anyone ever changed the thermostat for the electric side on a Atwood hot water heater? If so any comments on the location?

Thanks for your help.

Mike R.

[Mike R]

I am having problems with my Atwood hot water heater on my '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39S. Last year when new, the hot water heater produced very hot water while using the electric heating element. This year on electric the water only gets warm but not hot. While showering we now just turn the hot water on and not the cold.

Does anyone have any suggests regarding the cause? My exterior shower faucets are in the off position so that isn't the problem.

Has anyone ever changed the thermostat for the electric side on a Atwood hot water heater? If so any comments on the location?

Thanks for your help.

Mike R.

[RV Wizard]

Mike, on your year of Atwood water heater the smae T'stats for the gas mode control the electric mode temperature as well. I would recommend that you check the heating element to be sure it is not partially shorted. Does it heat to proper temps on gas? Have you checked the bypass valve to be sure you are not mixing cold into the hot there?

[Frankie]

I would look in to the bypass valve also.It maybe partialy open.Does your water get hot using the gas mode? If so ,it is probably the element.Should be covered under warrenty.

[Mike R]

Mike & Frankie,

I left the hot water heater on electric over night and checked the temperature from the drain valve this morning and it is hot, about 135 degrees however it is only warm in the coach.

The bypass valve for the hot water heater is located in my bedroom under the sink and it is in the correct position. Can you think of any other valves I should check?

This past winter, I winterized the until myself with antifreeze and when I had it in for servicing the dealer re-winterized it as well. Maybe the dealer shut a valve off I'm not aware of. Are there any valves I should check for the washing machine?

Should I consider flushing the hot water heater?

Thanks again for your assistance.

Mike

[C Driver]

you definitly have some cold water intrusion into the system ... run the hot water at a faucet and feel the pipe coming out of the water heater so see if it hot or warm .... sure sounds like the bypass is not total closed and this should tell you. otherwise somewhere the cold is flushing into the hot water system ...

[Frankie]

If you have check valves , that could be your problem also.My winter bypass is at the HWH in the back.I forgt to turn the middle valve sometimes too!

[full-timer]

Mike R,yes flush out the water heater. You will be surprised at what comes out of there. It is possible that some of the stuff has stuck open a check valve.

Joe

[Mike R]

Well I decided to call Atwood about my problem. Based on my conversation with them, I was told that my particular model has had problems with the mixing valve which is more than likely the cause of the problem.

The repair will be covered under warranty and I hope to get it done after my Memorial Weekend trip.

I'll keep you posted and thanks for everyone's assistance.

Mike R.