Atwood Water Heater {Proper Operation} - w/Paul "The Air Force Guy"
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- Check out this Updated Video about Atwood Water heater: • Electric/DSI Atwood RV...
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Atwood Water Heater
Prior to turning on your water heater, make sure it is full of water by turning on the hot water side of a faucet. When it stops spitting and sputtering it is full. Never use the pressure relief valve to fill your water heater tank. If you are plugged into electric, turn the electric side of your water heater on first (if you have one with electric). Prior to turning on the propane side, turn on the burners of your LP stove top to bleed the LP lines of any air pockets.
Hope this helps!
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Thanks for the great video about how to operate your water heater! If only you had said something about how to operate your water heater! Like, oh I don’t know, how to turn it on to gas or electric!? Where are these switches you’re talking about? There are no controls on the panel you showed.
Here is the one that shows more about the operation of the Suburban Water Heater - czcams.com/video/fjkEICueefc/video.html
Here is the one that shows more on how to operate an Atwood Water Heater - czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
Thanks Paul I can now take a hot 🚿 I can’t tell you how much I love you right now! The fact that we never met means nothing to me at the moment! Cheers my friend
Just Glad I could help!
It’s a great Video, short simple full of info and even some trouble shooting tips, clearly not your first rodeo. Thanks again!
Had it on electric only and I came out to find the pressure valve spilling out like crazy. Gave me the impression that the electric kept on going and boiled the water.
Time to have it checked out by a qualified service tech.
Actually I swapped out the ECO and Thermometer and it hasn't been a bother since. Running on electric just fine.
Nice video. I have a 1999 Coachmen with an Atwood water heater. It still works great, but I developed a leak somewhere behind it. I will have to remove cabinetry to get behind it, but it does have a ton of rust, so I thought maybe I should just replace it, but it looks like Atwood is now Dometic, and they don’t have an exact replacement. Is this true? Any advice would be appreciated . BTW my husband was also Air Force. Thank you for your service.
Thanks I learned mine is electric and gas. Thanks very helpfull
Glad it helped
Paul, what is that adjustable vented tube covering the propane pipe for? How would you go about adjusting it properly? When I slide mine one way it creates a ton of "noise" from the fire, slide it the other way and the fire gets very orange and not blue. What would be the right adjustment?
steve flanders did he answer you because I have a similar question and if not did you figure it out? 😊
You need a magnesium anode after a few years. I bought one that has a drain and anode in one.
Not in an Atwood. They have an Aluminum tank. You are thinking about the Suburban, which has a steel tank. Thanks for watching. Also, you don't want to use different metals for the drain. Atwoods have the plastic drain plug.
Where are the bypass valves on the Atwood? 2014 View
2012 aspect. Mine are on inside, in the closet. Backside of the heater.
I now know quite a bit about my water heater (thanks!), but this did not cover how to get the pilot light lit.
Check out my other one. It's just as easy as pushing a switch
To light this off is it no more than just turning on the propane or electric switch? Once I’m getting hot water say from the electric side then turn on the propane side?
When I use my propane my hot water gets warm not hot. What do I need to replace to fix the problem
:57 Hi, great video, thank you. What kind of problems would you anticipate taking place if someone uses the relief valve to fill the water heater? I'm curious. I've watched so many vids on their flush techniques, and I've noticed it's a common practice that they use the relief valve waiting for the water to come through - but now I'd like to know what kind of problems you think could happen if someone does this? Thanks for the info. I subscribed.
I try and explain it in more detail in this video. Has to do with not having an air pocket for expansion when hot. ** czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
@@TheAirForceGuy That totally makes sense! Of course, heat expansion. Thank you so much ! Finally, someone smart enough to recognize the physics to this. :)
I have a Atwood water heater, When the tank is full with it off everything is dry, when the tank is full and I turn on the propane and water gets hot everything is dry. When tank is full and I turn in electric and water gets hot there starts a pretty good drip that appears to becoming from the outlet fittings. What’s happening here, doesn’t make sense
Ok I think you just told me what I was needing to know. I will not use propane and will always use electric (1 person). I was worried that I needed to do something special other than turn electric switch "on" after hooking up to camp hook ups. I read somewhere to make sure water heater tank has water inside otherwise you will damage equipment. So water going inside is automatic?
Yes it is. Just run water at a faucet to make sure
@@TheAirForceGuy awesome! Weather is changing and I need it to be warmer as it gets colder outside.
How can you tell if the water heater is full?
After running the water at the kitchen sink {hot side} till it stops spitting, you can then Open the pressure release valve on the water heater for a brief moment to make sure water runs out. If it is only air, it is not full. Hope this helps!
Hi 👋 VANLIFE WITH GINA sent me ! Cool Channel ! I look forward to exploring more of your videos
Awesome! Thank you!
Howdy Paul, what is the HIGH PITCH sound coming from the Atwood heater after just installing a new Element ?
W.G.
I am not sure. I'd ask a Service Tech to see if everything is Ok. Thanks for watching
Hey A/F guy, very cool video “Now I Know” My orange cap on relief valve blew off, I put it back in. Question what is the cap for and what would cause it to blow off...there was water below it. Thanks
How do you control the water temperature. Mine is too hot.
Mine is too cold!!
I have a problem with mine. Can you help me with this? Everything is in spec. The issue is when running on LP and the door is closed it will light and run one cycle. Then after that it tries to light and goes into fault. If I leave the door open. It will run perfectly and cycle on/off like its supposed too. It's like it is not getting enough clean air down to the burner when the door is closed. Do know of a solution for this?
Okay okay I have a propane water heater I have two switches one says heater and other one says water pump do I turn both of those on to make my hot water.
No just the one for the water heater. If you are connected to water you do not need the water pump
Thank you .How do you change a bad atwood element
Recommend an RV Tech to do it. Its a job. Good Luck...
@@TheAirForceGuy Thank you ,I have been exploring the repair for some time now and your encouragement is greatly appreciated.
How do I know if it propane or electric water heater
Hi there can you help!! I have a 2012 passport and I can’t get the water heater to kick on it’s an Atwood
True.
bit.ly/3nUvXK9
How do I turn my water heater to electric? Where is the switch on a 1997 Alumiscape 5th wheel by holiday rambler?
Not sure! Sorry
I need know how start the operation of my jayco water heater step by step please
This video should help you better: czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
Im having an issue with the water not getting hot enough now that its gotten colder and i dont know how to turn it up
I would have it looked at by a qualified RV tech. Something is not right
I have a 2005 Skyline trailer and uses propane for water heater. It’s automatic. We got it going easily but it’s really loud and has a high flame. Is that normal? We just bought it. Thank you
High flame is not normal. Have it checked out by a trained RV Tech. Good Luck!
Thanks god bless
Always welcome
I'm helping a neighbor replace an older Atwood water heater with a "-10E" model. The older model 9 unit has three wires on the low voltage side, while the new unit has four. On the new atwood gc6aa 10e unit's schematic inside the outdoor cover, both the white and orange are fed with switched 12v lines (there is no installation or replacement manual to refer to). Can both be fed with the same 12v feed off the original switch inside the RV? ...or do they have to switched at different intervals, or one on while the other off, etc. ? I don't want to fry my friend's new water heater. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Sorry I do not install them. It is best to call an experienced RV Tech. Good Luck!
,@@TheAirForceGuy, I ran across a video from a RV tech who breaks down operation of this unit. I'm sorry I can't remember the link or person who posted it. The extra switch is indeed necessary. The orange wire is 12v feed for propane operation, and the white is for 120v electric control. The electric element is powered by the three conductor lead to the rear box, but the white wire from the unit controls the 12v circuit board on the outside which turns ON the 120v element. It's a 12vdc "brain" being fed by those wires. I hooked my friend's unit up, and everything is working great.
Thanks for that information
We dont plan to use external water .. how about a start up using your fresh water onboard ?
Thanks for the Question. Doesn't matter if your are using City Water or your Fresh Water Tank. With the Fresh Water Tank, you probably filled the water heater tank when filling the fresh water tank to give you additional capacity. You do this by using your water pump. How this helps! If not feel free to give me a call and I would be glad to continue the discussion on the phone. 301-898-3300 x139
We just got a used camper. How do I know if it's on Electric or Gas. I don't want to use gas only electric? Does it show it somewhere? Thanks
I am not using propane either for stove or WH....just fridge as it is auto. Look inside your bathroom at the control panel. Mine shows electric symbol ⚡ for electric and 🔥 for propane. Put switch on ⚡.
I have this water heater in mi 5th wheel..the drain drips water very slowly is that normal?
No, need to put some Teflon tape on the threads. Hopefully that stops the issue. If not, need to get a service tech to see it.
Why aren’t you showing us the proper use of the switches inside? No one shows this
Proper use of switches is you turn them on and you turn them off. Not sure what else to tell you. Feel free to call me and we can discuss so I can better understand your question and provide that information in another video. 443-353-9006
sloth1992 j
Hear is a better explanation for the Atwood Water heater: czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
The Air Force Guy -
Can I have both LP gas and electrict onn at the same time?
Absolutely.
I learned something new, thanks
No anodes required, because the tank is aluminium. They should say so in their manual.
Yes it clearly states it as one of the Features in the Owners Manual: The tank has a clad aluminum lining that protects against corrosion and does not need to be replaced on a yearly or more frequent basis unlike an anode rod. A more detailed explanation of cladding is found in the back of this manual.
Great video 😊
Thanks! 😊
Is the city water when hooked up sufficient to supply the water heater or do I have to have the onboard water tank filled in order for the heater to function?
You can use either way to fill water heater. If you are hooked up to city water, no need to used fresh water tank and vise versa.
Very helpful video!
Yes,but where do u lite the pilot lite?
You don't. It lites automatically when you turn the switch on.
Hi Paul. Can the water heater be used with no fresh water in the tank but with a hose hooked up running on hose pressure? If not, is does it work with the main fresh water tank and water pump on, or does the heater have it's own separate tank I need to fill?
The water heater only works when there is Fresh Water in it. You can fill it using the water pump if you have water in the Fresh Water Tank or you can fill it with water when hooked up to a Fresh Water System. If you turn on the electric side of the water heater without any water in it, you will burn up the heating element.
Thank you sir.
I got the same water heater, but I don't how to turn it on with propane..do you know how?
czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
Yes, watch this other video. czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
How do you get the electric part of this one to work?
I cover this alittle better in this video. Actually show the switches inside the RV: czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html - - - Hope this helps!
They made the stupud decision to mount the heating element in the back making it a nightmare anytime you have to deal with the element or relay. Most people have to pull the whole unit out and then reseal everything just to change either. Horrible design desicion. Most rigs dont have space behind them to do the work without removing it.
Agreed
Hello from New Zealand, can any body give me an idea why my Atwood Gas Elec 6 gal heater has a small amount of water pooling just below the gas burner. Could it be condensation from a very cold morning
Sorry I have no idea as to what is causing that issue. Good Luck
Hi all it turns out small drips were coming out out of the pressure relief valve.
Remedy. Turn off heater and let water cool/ turn off water feed then open relief valve and drain any water that comes out. This ensures the correct water level and air expansion space in the tank. Close relief valve, turn on feed, turn on power and your done
Great video. I am having an issue with my Atwood WH. It is burning back through the air shutter.
I cleaned the tube and vacuumed the heat exchanger both not helped.
Any ideas?
Oh no! I am not sure what happened. Contact an RV Service Tech, they should know... Good Luck
How long should I expect the Attwood hot water tank to burn before auto shut off? Don't know if my thermostat is working. Thanks
Once it reaches temp, it should shut off. If it is not, have it looked at to make sure it is working properly.
Hi, I was watching your video of ATWOOD WATER HEATER from March 30 - 2017 and I am looking to replace my old water heater "ATWOOD G6A-8E and I was wondering if you have a new one or a used one. It is very difficult for me to find a replacement. Can you help me find one or provide me with a link or company that sells it, even if it is used, but in good condition. Thanks in Advance. Gus -
Someone who reads this from the comments could also help me, since I do not have hot water in my RV, because my old unit has a leak. Thanks All :)
no all atwoods have the sight glass my atwood g6a-4e does not have the sight glass on the door.
Correct, the newer models have changed.
Hi, new to campers. Found out finally after finding the model number, lol. I need to flush it because the gentleman I bought it from says he just winterized the hot water heater. So any videos or help on that would be greatly appreciated. Know this is an old video but I need help. Hard to find these days, and the manual isn't very helpful I found online. Thank you. And do you have to have a water pump if you're directly connected to city water? I actually am just going to be living in this using RV pipes from the hose spigot on the side of the house, and I was told that should push water through the whole system, and that the water pump is just used for the freshwater tank. Thanks and sorry for so many questions.
Just hook up a water line and run water thru the entire water system. Then if you want add water to your fresh water tank and use the water pump to rinse it out as well. Its that easy. Happy Camping
@@TheAirForceGuy Thank you so much for the quick reply. When purchasing I think the guy got one over on me because I do not have a water pump. I have a 1998 Hornet 24c. He removed the original seat and put a reclining love seat in its place. After moving said love seat we found that beside that, against the wall on the outside, is the city water hookup. Of course, looks like a spigot itself. Lines are lying on the carpet there with a white hose about the size of a can and looks like a collapsable style white hose, maybe a little smaller that says freshwater tank on it, it comes in hooked into nothing. But all the other lines that are coming in lying on the floor are hooked up. So, the cleaning of the freshwater tank I believe is out as well as using it. I just am going to be hooking the water hose, well RV line directly from the hose spigot from our friend's house we are going to stay at to get my water. I may buy a pump later if I decide to even keep the camper after saving for a while to purchase our own place. I was told you only need to use the pump if you plan on being "off the grid" with no water hookups. So you have water to use. After looking online this seems to be correct. So I guess after telling you the life story here is me asking if this itself is also correct. I just need to make sure I'm good. I have two kids and my Girlfriend who are going to be in there with me and we need hot water of course. Water period for that matter. Thanks again, and hope this was not to much trouble asking and I won't blow up your youtube with any more questions.
@@Cypher3882 That is correct No need for a water pump if you are hooked up to a water source. Happy Campiing
ok ok.. if you dont use the pt valve to fill the tank.. how do you know when its full and ready to use?
Thanks for asking. As mentioned in the video, when the faucet stops spitting air & water and is just running water is when you know the water heater is full.
@@TheAirForceGuy thank you
Paul Atwood not heating up on Electric Propane works fine?
Needs to be checked out by an RV Technician.
I have an atwood water hear and havig trouble lighting the pilot. I noticed you said its a direct spark ignition. What does that mean?
That means it will light by itself. Assuming you have battery power or plugged in. You may need to blow out the lines.
@@TheAirForceGuy what if it doesn't light? Is it possible I could get your contact into to speak with you about this? I will be living in this camper for a while so I need to be able to have hot water for showers.
@@theresapisaturo2976 I would have a service tech look at it to see what is happening. Good Luck!
I have an Atwood 10 gal, I connected this water heater last night n still no hot water. I've seen a few videos where there's an on/off switch but this water heater doesn't have one at all n I don't have one inside. How do I turn this heater on? Is connected n plugged to the 110, I don't have propane due to a leak somewhere so I really don't know what else to do!
Did you make sure that you had the water heater full of water before you turned it on? If so, you may have a bad electric heater element.
Help,
I have this featured model Atwood water heater and I am not getting any propane sent through the lines.(all valves are open & tanks full)
I had to replace the circuit board(old model) because of a bad relay that caused the ignitor to not work. I had gas supplied to the w.h. prior to the circuit board switch.
Now, after getting the new model circuit board recommend by the RV dealership I have spark but no gas. Any suggestions?
If your cooktop lights up, then you have the Lp line clogged. Could be a spider nest or something else. Blow out with air, using an air compressor.Good Luck!
Didn't really show mw how to "operate" it though.
Your video says proper operation yet you didn't actually show us anything being operated. You're clear to understand though.
Sorry about that. When I have a moment I’ll link my other one which is better
@gotabdansin Here is the link for a complete explanation: czcams.com/video/aLDwstBFDCY/video.html
Hey Paul thanks for the tips, so the only way to get water into the water heater is to fill it from the city water supply, still not sure which way to turn the valves on the inside of the tank, one valve is turned right and the other in straight down and bottom one is turned left and I still don't have any water in the hot water tank, why? I need your help
Call me 301-898-3300
czcams.com/video/VfdRnosdpH4/video.html
Is there supposed to be a pilot light that’s up in there ? I have the same model your showing but nothing light up a pilot light
Yes there will be a pilot light on once it reaches temperature
Thx. There was a square wire thing unplugged
I Just got our 5th wheel (used) and for some reason I can't get the hot water tank to fill. I have it hooked up to city water and all I can see is a bypass valve but no separate valve to the tank. It is a Atwood tank and I took the anode out to see if I was getting any water but nothing. Call me dry and confused. Any ideas?
Too many possibilities. I would go to a service center for their advise. Sorry!
Hey airforce guy. I have the same model as you and am getting no sparking from igniter. No lights on those leds and I'm at my witts end! Memorial day weekend emergency!!!!! We are camping and have no hot water!!!!!!
Sorry to hear! Did you light the burners on your stove top first? If that worked then the water heater needs to be looked at. Were you able to use the electric side? Hope it wasn't a wash out for you.... :)
What do I do when Atwood water heater does not produce hot water
Not enough information to give you an answer. Worst case, is get an RV Service tech to look at it. Good Luck and Happy Camping.
How can you overfill from the safety valve when she is below the top ?
Pressure.
It is located on the top of the water heater.
When you fill from a faucet it leaves an air space in the tank for expansion when hot.
we have hot water but no hot water inside coach? any suggestions?
Must have a valve turned the wrong way somewhere after the water heater. Hope you can find it. Good Luck, should not be too hard!
Im new to Rvs and quite sure wherw to start. Ive had this parr of tje water heater shown to me many times. When i turn on the water heater switch in the house , it has a reset button light up. But I dont know how to reset it . i read something that said make sure the. Water valve is turned on. Now im confused what exactly that is and how to check that . and hoe do i get it to light ? Am i suppose to light it ? Ive been watching videos and reading the manual and I still feel dumbfounded. I was told everytjing worked in the rv when i got it . my watwr heater is a G6A-6E-AD model it says . i have a dundee by bounder which doesnt have alot of answers online. Is there anyway you can dumb down the basics for me ?
Ashley, Thanks for Watching. I am sorry for your problems that you are having. I am only a Sales Person and do not know much more than how to operate. It would be best to call an RV service tech. Good Luck!~
So does the hot water heater automatically fill or is there a switch to fill it?
Water heater will fill automatically once you open the faucet on the hot side.
Check out the other more in-depth video below this one in the "Show More"
Heater will not recycle after reaching temp , once it drops temp will not recycle
Need to have a Tech look at it. Good Luck!
should i keep my pump on always or only when i need it?
How can you tell if its gas or electric
Gas will have the tube you see in this video. Also, check a brochure for the year make and model for the one you have. Best of Luck
@The Air Force Guy yeah found out gas. Some are both. Cant find much info on mine as model numbers in aus are different than usa and our model number aint on atwood/dometic systems
I have an atwood. First time RV owner. I have two choices, propane or electric; in between is an orange light. Whats the light mean sir? I switch the electric water on and water is warm only. Not hot. I don't know if I need a new heater. And the manual doesn't tell me anything. I've watched hundreds of minutes of these rv videos but if you have the time sir can you upload a video of your basic "how to get hot water for your first time rv owners". Thanks
Call me on Monday
301-898-3300
@@TheAirForceGuy i was wondering the same
The light would be red and that would indicate that the Lp side of the water heater didn’t light.
How do you light the pilot on this model?????
Paul
Hello
Hi Paul, I have the same exact heater as the one in the video. The electric part works perfect, although when i switch to only lp, it does not ignite. Is the circuit board supposed to have power lights on it?
It will light and stay lit if i use a lighter. I think i may have a bad circuit board. The trailer is just over 1 year old.
Could have a spider or stink bug nest inside of it. Try blowing it out with an air compressor or you will need to take it to a service tech and have them look at it. Did you light your cooktop first to make sure the Lp lines were clear of air pockets?
Yes, the cooktop works fine. The water heater wont light unless i use a lighter. I think maybe the circuit board may be bad. Is there any way to test it. Is it supposed to have power lights on it?
I am not sure how to test it. As mentioned before, try using a vacuum to suck out what might be inside of the tubing or blowing out the tubing in the water heater for the Lp side. Good Luck!
I changed out the spark ignite piece and the 2 round things that you push in and turn. And the heat diode thing. Still wont ignite on its own.
Time for an RV Tech to look at it. Hopefully, something simple!
Where is the electric heating element located?
I'll see if I can do another video and show where it is located. Thanks for the question!
RV Extraordinaire Thanks. I figured it out though. I was looking at a manual for the wrong model.
How do I remove the plug to winterize it? Is there a special tool?
Just use an ADjustable wrench or socket wrench
@@TheAirForceGuy I a pain no matter which lol
hey paul i'm newto the rv game i need a lot of help with starting my hot water heater . filling my propane tank from a bottle, and how to fill my black r gray water tank. please help
Not sure how a Hot Water Heater works. I have only seen Water Heaters on RV's. When you purchase an RV or when you purchased an RV your RV Dealer should be walking you through these things. If not there are plenty of videos to try and help you.
How do I turn my Atwood hwheater to electric?
Check out this video: czcams.com/video/XIKQtKmVCzs/video.html
I need a starting point. My atwood (like the one in your video) was under electric operation, there was a noticeable smell of burning briefly inside the rv. The smell cleared but now the heater does not operate by electric. The usual buzzing sound when power is on is still there but no hot water. Where should I start? A burnt fuse should not make smoke right? I see nothing scorched on the outside of the heater . Thanks for any ideas.
Sounds to me like you turned it on without any water in the tank. Or the Element just went bad.
Sounds to me like you turned on your water heater without making sure that there was water in the tank. You now have to have the electric element replaced. Never turn on a water heater without making sure that it is full of water. You do this by opening the hot water part of your faucet and after it stops spitting air and you have a steady flow of water you will know it is ready to be turned on.
I have this same set up and my hot water is out I want to change the element but where is it located? If you can please call or send a picture #4323074567
You didn't show how to light it
It lights itself once you push the switch inside to on. Assuming you have LP in the tank and the bottle is open.
Don’t have eco or t stat on ours
Some do, some don't. Thanks for watching, hope you have it working good for you.
No
where is the switch located
Inside
I will do another to show.
Thanks great video sub'd
Thanks for watching!
5
Horrible video. You never should how to turn it on or operate it. You only spoke about it but showed nothing.
This video was more about what to do and not to do. To turn these water heaters on is a matter of pushing a switch to the on position. Below the video was the more in-depth video for water heater operation. Thanks for watching!
What a waste of time. How could this help anyone in need of hot water?
This may be a waste of time for you. Happy Camping!