# Travel >> Transportation >> RVs & Campervans

How to Troubleshoot a Hot Water Heater in a Camper

If your camper's water heater malfunctions, you not only will be forced to take cold showers, you'll have to wash the laundry and dishes in cold water. A number of problems could cause a camper's water heater to break down. You can fix the unit without having to call a technician.

Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Check the seating of the thermostat, which in a housing component. Make sure the thermostat is seated firmly. Replace the thermostat if it's damaged. Your water will run too hot or too cold if the thermostat is broken.
- 2
  Inspect the water heater igniter. A cracked electrode, loose ground screw or ground wire on the circuit board could cause the igniter to malfunction. Replace the electrode. Tighten the ground screw and ground wire with a Phillips screwdriver.
- 3
  Examine the pipes inside the water heater. Replace any leaky pipes.
- 4
  Look for possible electrical problems. If your water heater runs on electricity, make sure your camper is plugged into the campsite's electrical outlets.