I need HELP!!!: Hot water heater working sporadically

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Hot water heater working sporadically

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15812
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 5:21am
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Topic: Hot water heater working sporadically

Posted By: CB928
Subject: Hot water heater working sporadically
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 2:49pm

Hi all,

I just returned froma trip thru the Canadian Rockies with my RPod 178 - 2016.

My hot water heater was not working consistantly, like a few moments of hot water would come out followed by tepid water then cold and then a few minutes later back to hot.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks,

Colleen

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New to RVing!
2015 RPod 178

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 3:35pm

Has this issue just begun or has this just started to be a problem? I believe you have a 3 valve system on for your HW for bypass and winterization mode. If that is the case it sounds as though one of the valves is not in the proper position. The one directly in front of the HW tank should be shut (valve is perpendicular to the line below it) and the ones above and below should open (valve is parallel to the water line below). Regardless, it should be an easy fix. This is summer mode operation. Reverse the

valves when winterizing.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: CB928
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 4:43pm

Thank you Jato! I am sure you are correct. I was confused when dewinterizing it this year... did it by myself for the first time! I will be able to check it this weekend. Thank you for the help. I will let you know

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New to RVing!
2015 RPod 178

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 5:53pm

Jato, I think you got it backward. If the one between top and bottom is parallel and the top and bottom ones are perpendicular, that is the winter bypass position. The top and bottom ones should be parallel to the lines and the one between should be perpendicular.

This can happen when all three are open (parallel). Some cold water gets mixed in with the hot water. I expect the middle one is the problem.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: CB928
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 6:42pm

Stephen,

I think this is what I have done, I have opened all three.

Thank you for the clarification. I will print this out and stick itn next to the water heater for reference next year!

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New to RVing!
2015 RPod 178

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 6:54pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Jato, I think you got it backward. If the one between top and bottom is parallel and the top and bottom ones are perpendicular, that is the winter bypass position. The top and bottom ones should be parallel to the lines and the one between should be perpendicular.

This can happen when all three are open (parallel). Some cold water gets mixed in with the hot water. I expect the middle one is the problem.

Indeed, I stand corrected. Should not give an answer after waking up from a nap! You are correct Stephen, I am sorry for the confusion. I will go back an correct my original "incorrect" answer.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2023 at 8:08pm

I don't have to worry about that with the new trailer's tankless heater. I did just install a ShowerMiser, and will have to pay attention to that valve so I don't overflow the fresh water tank when we are connected to city water though.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS