I need HELP!!!: Water Heater not Heating Properly

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Water Heater not Heating Properly

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=16252
Printed Date: 31 Jul 2025 at 2:25am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Water Heater not Heating Properly

Posted By: ChrisG
Subject: Water Heater not Heating Properly
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 3:41pm

Hey Everyone,

I have a (new to me) 2017 Hood River Edition. The trailer has sat unused for two seasons. The Water Heater is firing up (flame is visible) and water is moving through it, but it's not making much, if any, hot water. I let it warm up for a couple of hours, ran the water through the sink for a while, and yet the water temperature never got hot, only intermittently warm and cold. I tried to take a shower but it wasn't an enjoyable experience. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any insights or suggestions. Sincerely, Chris

Replies:

Posted By: poohbill
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 4:58pm

It sounds like the cold and hot feeds are being mixed somewhere along the line. Does this happen on both City supply and pumped from tank?

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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline

Posted By: ChrisG
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 5:45pm

Good question. I haven't tried it with a city supply. I'll experiment with that first. Thanks for the suggestion. Sincerely, Chris

Posted By: poohbill
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 5:49pm

Check also that the pressure relief stopcock is closed. Let it heat a minute before opening a faucet. Let us know if it spits air after running a minute.

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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline

Posted By: ChrisG
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 5:56pm

I will do that. Thanks again. Chris

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 7:14pm

It is likely that the valves (2 or 3) are in winter mode, allowing the situation you are experiencing. If it is a 3 valve system, make certain the lines running to and from the HW tank are open (valve handle will run parallel with the water line. The third valve is between the top and bottom valve - this must be in the closed position (handle will be perpendicular to the water line) and will be opposite of the top and bottom valves.

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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: ChrisG
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2025 at 7:22pm

That's awesome advice. I'll pull the bed out and take a look tomorrow. Thanks for such thoughtful guidance. Sincerely, Chris

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2025 at 9:56am

+1 to Jato's advice. If the valves are in the wrong positions, that would explain the intermittent warm and cold water. Given the age of the trailer, I expect that it has the three valve system. The top and bottom valves are likely open but it sounds to me like the bypass valve (the one between the top and bottom) was left open. Close that, and you should be able to enjoy a hot shower.

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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: ChrisG
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2025 at 10:13am

Thank you everyone for your great advice. Both pieces of advice were correct! The pressure relief stopcock was indeed open and the valve was open between the hot and cold water lines at the water heater. I closed both and now the hot water is working. Thank you so much! Chris

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2025 at 11:23am

You are quite welcome ChrisG! I have been on this forum for quite a long time and I have benefited many times on having access to this 24/7 owners manual.

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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: ChrisG
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2025 at 12:30pm

This forum is really an amazing resource, and is saving me from spending a lot of unneeded repair dollars! Thanks again, Chris