Hot Water Heater Question

[SJSS Slingshot]

We have a 6 gallon combination Gas/Electric Attwood water heater in our M19 Slingshot. The problem is that the water is always scaulding hot. We have only used it on electric since we bought it in March this year used as it is a 2012. Never used it on propane as of yet. It has two remote switches one for gas and one for electric .

The question is where is the thermostat that my manual says where it should be. It shows a diagram of the heater looking at it from the outside, behind access door, and the illuistration number 17 points to the panel that says Thermostat/ECO. Well it just has wires going into the heater. I do not see any knobs or something to help turn down the water temp.

Anyone have a similar water heater, and could help me locate the thermostat or a way to make the hot water a little cooler.

Thanks ,

[MartyinSC]

The water on TT water heaters are always scalding hot. About 180 degrees, instead of 120 like you have at home. The reason they do this is because it's only 6 gallons. So you would use only a little with some cold mixed in to wash dishes or take a shower. Some have temp adjustments, but many do not. Neither my current or my last camper had an adjustment. The temp is the same on electric or propane. Tip: turn on the cold side first, just a little, then add hot. You can keep opening both if you need more flow. Don't start with the hot, or you'll get burned!

[SJSS Slingshot]

Thanks Marty for the reply. That makes sense since it is only 6 gallons. Yep there is no way you can start off with the hot, or you will get burned. Found that out the hard way when we first got it.

Have a good one.

[mark5w]

If you want to control the temp this would work. https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-93105-...ct_top?ie=UTF8

[harley]

You can always open the bypass valve between the blue and red pipes behind the heater a bit . It will mix some cold with the hot so you can kinda get the temp lower at the taps.

[Jeffur]

A water heater temperature mixing valve would work too. Most new houses have them installed / required by code. There is on on my RVhot water tank that mixes cold with the hot to get a predetermined water temp output

[SJSS Slingshot]

Thank you all for the different advice and tips, they helped out a lot. I will look behind heater today to find the bypass valve. Also Mark I looked at the link and that could be a option to. Thanks yall.

[SeanRN]

Originally Posted by harley

You can always open the bypass valve between the blue and red pipes behind the heater a bit . It will mix some cold with the hot so you can kinda get the temp lower at the taps.

Wayne, that is brilliant!

[sleepyT]

Originally Posted by harley

You can always open the bypass valve between the blue and red pipes behind the heater a bit . It will mix some cold with the hot so you can kinda get the temp lower at the taps.

Harley
I hate to disagree with you but I would think that opening the bypass, even a little bit, on the water heater would just cause the water heater to run more to attain the set temperature...

[2slick]

Our Atwood water heater runs water temperature of mid 140* temperature. I have been told the set temperature is 143*. That can be an issue with young children, or with old folks like me, when you bump the single lever shower fixture while showering.

[harley]

Originally Posted by sleepyT

Harley
I hate to disagree with you but I would think that opening the bypass, even a little bit, on the water heater would just cause the water heater to run more to attain the set temperature...

The heater will always be the same set temp , by opening the bypass a bit will allow cold water to mix with the hot after the heater...the heater will not know if you turn on the cold tap on more at the sink or have the bypass open a bit.

[MartyinSC]

Originally Posted by harley

The heater will always be the same set temp , by opening the bypass a bit will allow cold water to mix with the hot after the heater...the heater will not know if you turn on the cold tap on more at the sink or have the bypass open a bit.

Agree. The water in the heater will remain at set temperature. Opening the bypass allows additional flow to the faucet, not backwards into the heater outlet. (Most have backflow preventers there, but regardless) As long as both hot and cold have the same pressure input, all you've done is create a "hot plus cold makes warm" output, just like you do at the faucet or the shower. Now, at the sink and shower, you don't have hot and cold, you have warm and cold.

[harley]

Originally Posted by MartyinSC

Agree. The water in the heater will remain at set temperature. Opening the bypass allows additional flow to the faucet, not backwards into the heater outlet. (Most have backflow preventers there, but regardless) As long as both hot and cold have the same pressure input, all you've done is create a "hot plus cold makes warm" output, just like you do at the faucet or the shower. Now, at the sink and shower, you don't have hot and cold, you have warm and cold.

Exactly ...we just got rid of the 140 degree scalding water and made it a120 degree acceptable hot water like the home heaters. No fear of kids getting scalded ...and not having to pay for a different adjustable thermostats. Easy Peary . Just remember how far you have to turn the bypass....

[sleepyT]

Harley
After looking at the water line configuration I have to admit that you are correct, it will lower the water temp...bypass is on the exit side of the water heater...I was wroooong...

[harley]

Originally Posted by sleepyT

Harley
After looking at the water line configuration I have to admit that you are correct, it will lower the water temp...bypass is on the exit side of the water heater...I was wroooong...

I was told this hint by an older camper years ago,and usually seasoned campers are correct...same guy that showed me the cordless drill with the 3/4" socket trick to lower and raise the old trailers corner stabilizers instead of manualy cranking them...

[SJSS Slingshot]

Just a follow up. We did the bypass and it lower the temp. Don't know the temp but it sure don't burn ya like before . Thanks

[gregtx]

you tube has videos, on how to install a variable temp control