How to Operate My RV's Gas and Electric Hot-Water Heater

To Operate a Gas Water Heater

• 1

  Clean any soot from an RV gas hot water heater's exhaust with a rag. Check the battery voltage on the heater.

• 2

  Remove the pilot light tube and its orifice. Clean the orifice with alcohol. Clean the pilot tube with a toothpick to clear it of any particles or debris.

• 3

  Replace the pilot tube and the orifice. Check the gas pressure which, should be 11 inches of water column. Check that the propane tank is correctly connected and that all gas valves are in the open position.

• 4

  Turn the red gas knob to the Pilot position, hold it in for several seconds and light the pilot. Once the pilot light stays lit when the button is released, turn the gas knob to the required water temperature and the water heater should ignite.

To Operate an Electric Water Heater on an RV

• 5

  Turn the selector switch to electric. This switch should be located near the water heater. The RV's operation manual will identify its exact location if there is a problem in finding it.

• 6

  On an RV Electric Hot Water Heater check the electric current is working by switching on a light. Replace the battery fuse if no power is available.

• 7

  Open the panel cover of the water heater and remove the electrical connection. Clean the electrical connection with a brush and plug it back in.

• 8

  Check that the ignition electrode is 1/8" from the burner orifice.

• 9

  Turn on the electric ignition switch. The pilot light should now light and the water should heat up.