LP water heater

[JoshGilbert]

I have an atwood 6 gallon water heater and I think I am having some sort of weird problem.

When I first got my travel trailer a few months ago I was having trouble with the pilot flame going in and out so I just switched it to electric, but the problem with this is that the water didn't get too hot. Now that the weather has gotten colder, I'm not getting any hot water from using the electric, so I switched it to gas. I'm not having any trouble with the pilot flame now, but when I check the temperature pressure release valve, the water is boiling hot, but when I run the hot water out of my sinks it is coming out at room temperature. I have no idea what the problem could be.

This is an 09 Jayco jayflight G2.

Thank you!

[450Donn]

There are a couple of areas to check. First, there is usually a series of valves that are intended to bypass the water heater when winterizing. Check that one of them is not leaking or in the wrong position. Second, the water lines are usually not insulated and if any of the HW lines run in or near an unheated area the water can cool rather quickly. third, the new/newer W/H's have a factory preset thermostat and as such are a real pain in the behind to do anything with. They should be preset around 140 degrees. At that point it is quite possible for the relief valve to leak/bypass a bit. If by the pilot flame, you mean the main burner then all you need to do is clean and adjust the mixer tube. That is the sheet metal tube that is held in place by a single screw and when that screw is loosened it can be slid in/out. This is intended to adjust the burner for a nice blue flame, no soot. I have also seen spiders get in ther and create all sorts of havoc.

[JoshGilbert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn There are a couple of areas to check. First, there is usually a series of valves that are intended to bypass the water heater when winterizing. Check that one of them is not leaking or in the wrong position. Second, the water lines are usually not insulated and if any of the HW lines run in or near an unheated area the water can cool rather quickly. third, the new/newer W/H's have a factory preset thermostat and as such are a real pain in the behind to do anything with. They should be preset around 140 degrees. At that point it is quite possible for the relief valve to leak/bypass a bit. If by the pilot flame, you mean the main burner then all you need to do is clean and adjust the mixer tube. That is the sheet metal tube that is held in place by a single screw and when that screw is loosened it can be slid in/out. This is intended to adjust the burner for a nice blue flame, no soot. I have also seen spiders get in ther and create all sorts of havoc.

Thank you!

[Ray,IN]

The thermostats Don mentioned are secured tightly to the tank, if they jostle away, the water will get too hot, usually activating the relief valve. There is an access panel on the outside to view the thermostats and insure they are tight to the tank. Make sure to replace the insulation before re-attaching the panel.
What this means to me is, Donn is dead-on with the valves.