Water heater problem

[Smokey22]

I tried posting this before my apologies for not doing it correctly I'm new I have an echo temp l5 water heater that I troubleshooted propane's good new batteries it seems to turn on I can hear it humming when I try and open a spicket but I have no hot water any help would be appreciated thanks

[flybouy]

For those scratching their heads that's a "stand alone" demand water heater that uses 2 d cell batteries for ignition/control board. Here's the link to the mfg. https://www.eccotemp.com/eccotemp-l5-portable-outdoor-tankless-water-heater/

[Smokey22]

Thanks bud for the quick reply I actually downloaded the owner's manual for that water heater went through their troubleshooting protocol as well I still don't have any hot water though oh well

[JRTJH]

Is the water heater plumbed into the RV system with bypass valves to winterize it? If so, are you SURE the valves are in the proper position? It sounds like there's no "demand on the water heater" so it's not cycling on. If the winterization valves are bypassing the water heater, you won't get any flow into it, so no demand…

[flybouy]

What happened between it working and not working? Di this just "happen" while it was working? Did it stop after changing propane tanks? The more info/details you provide the better someone may be able to help.

[chuckster57]

Will taking the batteries out “reset” it?

[Smokey22]

Thanks for getting back bud no the problem just happened one day I just had no hot water the day before I had hot water then I started troubleshooting replace the batteries the DC cell batteries then change the propane tank and that's all really even the manufacturers troubleshooting guide said it sounds like it's working because it hums but there's no hot water coming through

[chuckster57]

Ok. When you turn on the hot faucet, do you hear any ignition sparking? Can you access the burner?

[Smokey22]

Thanks for getting back bud I don't know how to figure out if the burner is coming on but when I open the faucet I do here something going on in the tankless water heater

[chuckster57]

Have you tried the live chat?

[Smokey22]

Thanks for getting back know I haven't tried a live chat not sure I know how to do that or who I do it with

[Smokey22]

Thanks for getting back I replace the two batteries which I think ignite the unit but again no hot water I haven't tried a live chat really don't know how to do that or who I do it with LOL

[chuckster57]

Use the link provided by flybouy. Once there you’ll see a live chat option.

[B4Keystone]

I have no knowledge of "on demand" water heaters, but I would think it would require a minimum flow rate before ignition ( same logic as a sail switch on furnace ). Make sure you have maximum flow, then it will take time for hot water to reach tap.
Just a thought.

[Mulb]

Had this problem twice. Mineral deposits blocking inlet. Flush with vinegar/water solution. Don’t remember the ratio but we just used straight vinegar. I think you can buy a product to use.
Hope your problem has been solved by now but another fix in case someone needs it.

[LHaven]

I have experience with exactly one on-demand water heater that we installed while refurbishing a rental house. Indeed, it had an interior turbine that detected flow, same as a water softener. When you turned a hot water tap on you could hear it "zzzzzing" up to speed. Unfortunately, this particular unit needed constant cleaning and lubing to keep the turbine spinning freely, or you would get no hot water (and hear no zzzzzing). This was a messy job, as it required detaching all the water lines and trying to catch all the water as it spilled out of the unit. We were so glad when we finally sold that house.

In this unit, the function seems to be buried in something called the "gas/water valve assembly, which is replaceable if needed.

These units also need periodic descaling with vinegar (another messy job), and this one also seems to have an intake screen filter that will require cleaning. If the filter is clogged, or the unit is heavily scaled up, it will reduce water flow, and a reduced flow may not be enough to kick open the gas valve.

Is the water flow at the spigots distinctly less for hot water than for cold water?

[Mulb]

Forgot the second time we had the problem it needed the valve replaced