Water heater issue

660catman · 06-21-2020, 06:32 AM

Out camping and the breaker blew on the Atwood water heater. Put it back on but now no hot water. Any thoughts on issue? Wiring? Element?
All works fine with gas though.

Papa-T · 06-21-2020, 07:38 AM

Could be a short or bad element. Try disconnecting the wire to the heating element and turning on the breaker. What are you plugged into. 15, 30, 50? Could be to much if plugged into low source. At least you have gas so it’s something electrical. My guess is bad breaker or a bad element or short. Let’s see what others say.

Stan · 06-21-2020, 08:16 AM

I agree with Papa-T. If gas works then you need to test the element. If you have a Clamp meter you can check the amperage ( or lack there-of). You can buy a replacement 120v element (I got one at the local ACE) and carry it with me, but you will need a 1-1/2" socket and ratchet wrench.

660catman · 06-21-2020, 08:40 AM

Thanks guys. Running on 30 amp. Still camping so will do tests when I get home Monday. Back camping Tuesday but in an unserviced campground anyways.

660catman · 06-26-2020, 08:57 AM

Well I have two things to buy now. My pump decided to leak water where the housing connects. Had to unscrew it off the floor and somehow hang it so I can put a small tub under it to collect leaking water when it’s running. Didn’t want to take it apart camping just in case I ended up with nothing.

harley · 06-26-2020, 03:47 PM

660cat...if the pump is an artis brand , wonder how it made it this long. Mine went in the first 3 week in 2013,warranty replaced with a flo jet...

660catman · 06-26-2020, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

660cat...if the pump is an artis brand , wonder how it made it this long. Mine went in the first 3 week in 2013,warranty replaced with a flo jet...

Just got home and took the pump out. Yes it’s the Artis brand. Took it apart and saw a big crack in diaphragm.
So an Artis replacement is not the best then?

660catman · 06-26-2020, 04:25 PM

Dug into the heater issue. I think I found the problem!
IMG_3066.jpg

Stan · 06-26-2020, 04:32 PM

I would pull the element anyway. Sometimes when W/H elements short they cause a surge and can melt other items before the breaker trips..

660catman · 06-27-2020, 11:24 AM

Got it fixed. New element and cut burnt part of wires off. Good thing they leave lots of 110 wire to play with.
Installed new Lippert Flow Max pump. Way quieter than old one.

Papa-T · 06-28-2020, 06:09 AM

Nice job!

**Lloyd** · 06-28-2020, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 660catman

Got it fixed. New element and cut burnt part of wires off. Good thing they leave lots of 110 wire to play with.
Installed new Lippert Flow Max pump. Way quieter than old one.

Well now you are ready for a trouble free summer of camping.

When you pulled the element, was that fried also?

660catman · 06-28-2020, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Well now you are ready for a trouble free summer of camping.

When you pulled the element, was that fried also?

It didn’t look fried but had a lot of calcium buildup on it. I’ve heard the Atwood’s don’t require an anode rod but I put one in anyways. I get two years out of them.

**Lloyd** · 06-28-2020, 06:52 AM

Here is a link on that subject.
https://www.etrailer.com/question-327509.html

660catman · 06-28-2020, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the link. So far I have never had a bad smell from our well water. Mind you we have excellent water and we also use an iron remover. Similar unit to a water softener but without the brine tank. It uses air injection to “capture” iron. Media tank backwashes once a week.
I don’t fill up at home that often so I’m relying on water from campground taps.

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