Water Heater Problem
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3255
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 4:41pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Water Heater Problem
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Subject: Water Heater Problem
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 12:16pm
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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 |
Replies:
Posted By: tsunami123
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 1:55pm
 As 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. |
Posted By: marwayne
Date 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. |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 4:11pm
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Thanks folks..... I appreciate it! ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2013 at 5:53pm
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The problem is definitely your valve positions from your description.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 9:50am
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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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:05pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:17pm
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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.. ------------- |
Posted By: DocTom
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 2:45pm
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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! |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 5:27pm
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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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2013 at 8:37pm
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Talk about steaming piles of ...stuff.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2013 at 9:38pm
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You will most definitely want to cut an access hole above and beside the hot water heater(under your mattress) to turn your valves on and off. Mine measures about 4" x 6" which is plenty large enough to reach and see everything.
------------- 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." |