Electric part of hot water heater is kaput

[curlyfungirl]

I smelled something funny in the rig and woke up to not very much hot water. In fact, it was barely warm. I turned it to gas from electric and now it is working. Can anyone tell me what died? The heater works on propane now but not electric. What might have died and how much will the doctor bill be? Thanks

[laidback]

Sounds like maybe the element. Was the smell like burnt wire? as to the cost not much. can get one at home depot or Lowes.

[x96mnn]

Very well could be the element. Where you smelt something funny it may not be. These are fairly basic and consist of an element, switch and plug that wires into the switch. Could be any part of it but locate the switch and there are usually simple male and female quick connects between it and the plug adapters for the element and the switch. Take a look at these connections and it may be something as simple as one of them heated and needs to be cleaned up or replaced.

[curlyfungirl]

Thank you for your input. Where is this element located? Do I have to take the whole thing apart?

[raytronx]

Check the circuit breaker too. May have tripped or be loose, or have arced connection.

[x96mnn]

I am on my touch pad and can't copy and paste the link but if you Google electric RV hot water tank repair other is a video. Yours may be different but it will give you an idea where to look. As well you should have the manual that came with the camper that is for that water heater.

[SAABDOCTOR]

the element is on the outside of the unit under the metal gover. turn of the power or unplug the shore power if you really want to be sure. tehn turn off the water supply.there is a pressure reflief valve on the top of the unit . pull it open to bleed off pressure leave it open till your done then close it.. the element is at the bottom of the unit with two wires going to it. take off the wires and unscrew it. lefty loosy. when you buy the eliment buy the tool too remeove it too. wrap some teflon tape over the threads on the new part and screw it back in and tighten it up then turn on the water let if fill then turn on the power. good luck it's an easy job.

[mobile42]

curlyfungirl,

Just turn gas off at the LP tanks and unplug electricity. Make sure you remove the anode rod and drain the water or when you remove the heater element it will leak inside your RV. After you remove the black cover over the element you can remove the wires then the element. Next, remove the gas line from the flame tube, unbolt the flame tube and pull it out of the way, no big deal, just replace all the parts like they came out, turn you LP tank back on and check those fittings for gas leaks with soapy water (no bubbles) and don't forget to refill the heater with WATER or the element will burn. You can get the proper element socket (1 1/2") to remove the element and even get a new element from either Home Depot or Lowes, and most hardware stores, much cheaper ($20 total) then an RV Store. The wattage will be a slight difference but nothing to lose sleep over it. Good Luck!