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Topic ClosedWater Heater Problem
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Water Heater Problem
    Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 12:16pm
Ever since initial delivery our water heater has had a problem.  

I can confirm gas ignition, (I have observed it), and the electric on-off switch is switched to "on".
Still we get, at best, a two or three second gush of warmish water, then cold.  We always open the
hot taps to observe the city water running clear before lighting.

Could the bypass valve be in the wrong position?  And if so, what is the likelihood that we have
croaked the heater?  Shouldn't the system have been shipped from FR with the water heater valve
in the proper position and its operation checked?

Any suggestions welcome.  I'll go to the manual or the Forum to find the proper bypass valve setting
and where to find it.  Not having to winterize makes for uninformed owners, water system-wise....
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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tsunami123 View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Dec 2012
Location: MINNESOTA
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 1:55pm
OuchAs long as the hot water heater has water in it...it is safe to have the 110AC switch on!
Is the 'winter' bypass valve turned to the correct position?  The bypass valve knob should be oriented in a perpendicular position to its pipes.  Parallel to the pipes means the cold fresh water supply is bypassing the water heater.
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton AB Can
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Posts: 1002 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 3:05pm
This is the position of the valves to get hot water.
 
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 4:11pm
Thanks folks.....  I appreciate it!
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 5:53pm
The problem is definitely your valve positions from your description.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 9:50am
Well, sure enough!  Once I finally figured out how to get to the hot water valves, they had all been left in
the 'open' position.  At least the tank was getting water, so I don't think I burned out the electric element.

The water was taking the path of least resistance.

I found an access panel in the storage compartment that was held in place with four tiny square drive
screws.  When removed it gave access to the valves, but required quite the contortionist to reach the
heater by-pass valve.  If I ever get to the point that I need to consider winterizing, I would most certainly
devise easier access, probably via a marine "inspection port" device under the queen mattress.

Anyhow, thanks for the advice.  We'll be especially grateful on our next outing when we have more than
a splash of hot water.
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:05pm
On my 171 the access is from above, underneath the mattress on the left side (to the right as you face the rear).  I assume your water heater is in the same location.  I removed all 4 screws and left them out, the panel doesn't move with the matress on top of it.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:17pm
To get at it from the top in our 177, you have to remove the half sheet of ply under the mattress.. I intend to cut that end free and secure it separately any day now. Going thru the hatch in the pass through is for someone much younger and "thinner" than I am now. LOL

In fact, that is how I "misplaced" my anode last year.. all my floppin and fittin to reach through there caused mt push it up UNDER the hatch trim.. showed up after the first pull..
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DocTom View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO
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Posts: 190 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:45pm
My water hoses were connected backward when I took delivery, we got great hot water . . .out of the cold faucet!
Brush and Floss, It is the Secret of Life!
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 5:27pm
I had to oversee the sub-contractors on the condominiums that we now administer.  One of the plumbing
subs had hot water going to the toilettes!
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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