Water heater not working on electric.

MTK46 · 12-26-2018, 04:28 PM

So when we picked up our new to us Mobile Suites it had been winterized.
Been RVing for 33 years and that's something we have never done. See we live in the desert.

Anyway 5th wheel was delivered 1/2 way between dealer & us in Provo Ut. got it at 8:00 at night drove across the street to a KOA connected up to water & such turned on the electric to the water heater & went to bed. Next morning went to put water in the tank before heading out & that's when I found valves open so water tank drain was open. So also there was no water in the heater with electric power on it overnight. Not a good thing to do.

So I think I damaged the electric side of the water heater. I remember having this problem way back on a TT we had in the 90's. I just don't remember how I diagnosed it & what I replaced.

Oh it does work fine on propane.

porkchop · 12-26-2018, 05:13 PM

You can get a new heating element at most any big lumber yard or hardware store. It will be for 120 volt and around 1500 watts. Easy to change, just be sure to turn off power to it first. Also when at store pick up a special tool made for changing screw in heater elements. Both together probably less than 25.00. Good luck

Bill

porthole · 12-27-2018, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTK46

So I think I damaged the electric side of the water heater.

About 10-15 seconds after you turned it on it was 'cooked'
Easy enough repair though.

Dapperdan · 12-27-2018, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porthole

About 10-15 seconds after you turned it on it was 'cooked'
Easy enough repair though.

Been there, done that!!!!

You only do that once. LOL

Dan

MTK46 · 12-31-2018, 11:31 AM

Ordered the parts & socket off Amazon. Just under $30. Should have it next week.

**wingnut60** · 12-31-2018, 11:39 AM

Be sure and clean the threads good in the heater, and some non-insulating lube when you replace the element. Be careful removing the old one, a proper sized socket/extension/rachet will help a lot.

MTK46 · 12-31-2018, 11:52 AM

Yea I checked and didn't have a socket that large.

I'm installing a new anode at the same time.

porkchop · 12-31-2018, 01:22 PM

Use tape on the anode but not on the element. The element has very fine threads and a rubber gasket. Good luck

Bill

porthole · 01-01-2019, 10:58 AM

Why would you use tape on the anode

porkchop · 01-01-2019, 03:44 PM

Teflon tape to keep it from leaking.

Bill

porthole · 01-01-2019, 03:51 PM

Pipe threads - never had one leak.
Clean the anode threads, chase the tank threads, least amount of resistance.

Cummins12V98 · 01-01-2019, 07:08 PM

Most Teflon tape is JUNK anymore. I use Teflon pipe dope or RectorSeal.

porkchop · 01-02-2019, 10:06 AM

Makes me wonder why the pros use it. Maybe they forget to ask the experts?

Bill

porkchop · 01-02-2019, 10:07 AM

Makes me wonder why the pros use it. Maybe they forget to ask the experts?

Bill

Cummins12V98 · 01-02-2019, 11:58 AM

As you PorkChop I worked around the Pro's, I supervised them. Some used tape and some did not but they all used the products mentioned even with the tape.

porthole · 01-02-2019, 12:11 PM

And I wasn't disappointed.

porthole · 01-02-2019, 12:46 PM

And I wasn't disappointed

GlennWest · 01-02-2019, 04:01 PM

All i use is telflon tape. No problem. I do it professionally too. All in how it use it.

terry and jo · 01-08-2019, 02:44 PM

I've always used Teflon tape as well. Only recently did I find out that there is a "plumber's" version of Teflon tape. Don't know what the difference is.

Terry

Cummins12V98 · 01-09-2019, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennWest

All i use is telflon tape. No problem. I do it professionally too. All in how it use it.

Then you should be the first to mention all Teflon Tape is NOT quality and DOES make a difference!

Consumer products are typically NOT the same quality as Pro Grade.