RVers want lots of hot water, so we turn on our water heater and forget about it. Unless there’s a problem, then we’re stuck! So this article can make RV water heater operation a bit easier to understand.

The basic RV water heater is LP gas (pilot light) with a 6 gallon tank. The inner tank is divided in two with a tube that is heated by a gas valve. This valve has a double function as a thermostat, heating the water to the right temperature, and as a safety valve that will close the LP when the pilot goes out. The water travels into the tank at the bottom, surrounds the tube and heats up, then is released at the top. The tank will fill up before the water can pass through the rest of the camper’s water system.

An upgrade to the basic gas pilot model is DSI, or Direct Spark Ignition, which is ignited from inside the camper. LP gas and electric models are also available. A heating element is added as an alternative way to heat the water. Some RVs have water heaters with heat exchangers that pipe water through the engine compartment as you ride, so you’ll have hot water when you stop for the night!

There are two main manufacturers of RV water heaters: Atwood and Suburban. They come in 3, 6, 10 and 12 gallon models. The following are tips to help you keep your RV’s water heater trouble-free:

Always make sure your water heater is full before turning it on. You can check by opening a hot water faucet and waiting until there is a steady flow.

Drain and rinse your water heater after each trip. On Suburban models, the anode rod is removed to drain the tank. Atwood has a plug that is usually located in the lower left corner of the water heater. Get to these two drains by opening the outer WH door.

Check outside vent and burner area for mud smears, cobwebs, and anything else obstructing airflow.

Prepare for winter properly. If your RV is not equipped with a bypass, install it now. This will prevent the antifreeze from filling the tank.

A common problem found with RV water heaters is a bad smell, like rotten eggs. This is caused by high sulfur levels. Although, unpleasant, it is not harmful. Rinse and sanitize the water system to remove odor. You can use vinegar or bleach to do this. There are water fresheners available that will disinfect without the smell of bleach. Remember to rinse with clean water after disinfecting.

Another common problem is water leaking from the pressure relief valve. This is because the water absorbs the normal air pocket at the top of the water tank. The cure for this is to turn off the water heater and allow the water to cool. Then turn off the water supply to the water heater, open a faucet inside your RV to release the pressure, open the pressure valve on the water heater and let the water flow until it stops on its own, then turn off the valve, close the faucet and turn the water supply back on. These are not signs of a faulty water heater.

Other issues, such as sooting or problems with the water heater bed, could be signs of gas valve or circuit board problems and should be checked by a certified RV technician.