Suburban RV Water Heater Troubleshooting [A Complete Guide]

The major Suburban RV water heater problems that users most often encounter include:

• Heater won’t turn on
• Heater keeps shutting off or not staying lit
• Water isn’t getting hot enough
• Too hot water 
• Leakage in the water heater tank
• Water heater is making noise

Plus, bad odors coming from the water or the discolored outlet water are also some of the most common Suburban RV water heater issues in the row. 

Whenever you’ll encounter any of the problems above, it’s essential to address the actual reasons first and then fix the trouble points by applying the corrective actions.

To do so precisely, our comprehensive Suburban RV water heater troubleshooting guide has brought all the effective solutions for you!  So, let’s start…

Suburban RV Water Heater Troubleshooting [Electric & Gas]

There are multiple reasons and solutions mentioned below for the Suburban RV water heater not working on electricity or gas. Let’s explore them in detail.

01. Suburban RV Water Heater Doesn’t Turn On

The troubleshooting steps for the Suburban RV water heater don’t turn on depending on the type of water heater you’re using. There are mainly two types of Suburban RV water heaters available on the market. They are:

1. Electric water heater
2. Gas water heater

I’ll cover every possible reason and their solutions for both types in the following sections.

i) Suburban Electric RV Water Heater Won’t Turn On

Many times, the Suburban Electric RV water heater won’t turn on because we leave the 120V switch off or turn it on without any water.

However, there are other reasons too. So, to make your life easier, I’m providing a list including all the common reasons below:

• No water in the tank
• Turned off 120V switch
• Tripped circuit Breaker
• Tripped reset buttons
• Burned fusible link
• Faulty 120V switch
• Improper voltage
• Shorted wires or improper grounding
• Faulty heating element

So, how to fix the problem? Well, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step troubleshooting guide provided below. But make sure you follow the sequence as I’ve organized them from the easiest fix to the hardest fix.

Step 1: Check if water is present by feeling the warm brass valve or opening the valve to see if water comes out. Follow the below picture to identify the pressure relief valve.

If no water, fill the tank and restart the heater.

Step 2: Ensure the 120V switch is turned on for the water heater to function properly.

The above picture shows the 120V switch location.

Step 3: Check if the circuit breaker has tripped and reset it if necessary.

For models with a “D” in the name, check the 12-volt DC fuse if applicable.

Step 4: Turn off the water heater, wait for a few minutes, and press the reset button to restore power.

Step 5: Examine the fusible link for damage and replace it if needed.

A broken/burned 120 VAC link can cause the heater to not work on electricity.

The above picture shows both the fusible links for 120 VAC and 12 VDC.

Step 6: Check switch connections, fix any loose connections, or replace a faulty switch.

Step 7: Ensure the voltage is within the recommended range (120 volts for Suburban RV water heaters). Call a qualified electrician if the voltage is incorrect.

Step 8: Inspect wiring for shorts or improper grounding, repairing or replacing as necessary.

Step 9: If all else fails, check for a damaged heating element and replace it following proper instructions.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the issue causing your Suburban RV water heater to not work on electric power. 

Always remember to follow safety precautions and consult a professional if you are unsure about any step in the process.

ii) Suburban Gas RV Water Heater Not Turning On

If your Suburban RV water heater is not working on gas, there could be several reasons as follows:

• The electric heating element is on
• Blown 12V fuse
• Damaged 12V battery or low 12V battery voltage
• Improper gas supply
• Blocked gas supply tube
• Turned off the DSI/gas switch
• Tripped/faulty ECO/hi-limit thermostat

Let’s look at the detailed troubleshooting guide for the Suburban RV water heater not working on gas.

How To Fix:

Step 1: Turn off the electric switch to allow the propane thermostat to close while the water is still hot. Allow the water to cool down before using the gas option.

Step 2: Turn on the DSI/gas switch inside the RV with cool water in the tank and gas supply. The following picture shows a “turned-on” gas switch.

Listen for a clicking sound and check if the burner ignites. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Locate the rubber cover on the water heater’s face near the top, which houses two reset buttons for the ECO/hi-limit thermostats.

Press the right-hand side button as shown in the picture above to reset the 12-volt DC/gas ECO thermostat if it has tripped.

Step 4: If the problem persists, check the 12-volt fuse inside the RV’s electrical panel to ensure it is not blown. You can use a multimeter to test for continuity or visually inspect the fuse for signs of damage or discoloration.

Step 5: If the fuse is fine, check the battery voltage and replace it if needed. A low battery can prevent the water heater from functioning properly.

Step 6: Ensure that the propane cylinders have gas and are open. Turn on the gas stove burners to purge air from the lines.

Step 7: Inspect the two thermostats located beneath the rubber cover. The regular thermostats at the bottom cut power at 130 degrees. Whereas, the ECO/hi-limit thermostats on top cut power at around 160 degrees in case of regular thermostat failure.

The picture below demonstrates different thermostat types.

Reset the ECO thermostat if necessary or replace faulty thermostats as a unit.

Step 8: Before turning on the gas heater, check the burner tube for any blockages such as dirt or insect nests. Clean the gas supply tube using a burner tube cleaning tool to remove obstructions.

Tips:

Refer to the owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions and safety precautions. Regularly clean the gas supply tube, especially before trips, for the safety of your RV and family.

Your water heater should work just fine on gas by now. However, if the problem still persists, I recommend you call a technician for further diagnosis.

So, that was a brief troubleshooting guide for the Suburban RV water heater not turning on. We’ve a detailed article on Suburban RV water heater not turning on for your reference.

02. Suburban RV Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off

Whether it’s an electric or a gas water heater, it can keep shutting off for several reasons. I’ve listed all the possible reasons and their solutions for both electric and gas Suburban RV water heaters.

i) Suburban Electric RV Water Heater Keeps Turning Off

There are a few things that could be causing your RV electric water heater to shut off randomly. The major reasons include:

• Electrical glitch
• Tripped circuit breaker 
• Loose or faulty wiring connection
• Malfunctioning of the thermostat
• Faulty 120V switch in front of the heater

Also, low water pressure or dirt buildup is on the list of the major that prevent your RV water heater from staying on. 

How To Fix:

Follow the below effective steps to fix the shutting-off problem from your electric RV water heater: 

1. First, check if the circuit breaker is live and reset any tripped circuit breaker or replace any blown fuse.
2. Then, test the thermostat for proper voltage, and replace it if it is faulty.
3. Finally, if the voltage is good and the thermostat is not faulty, check the 120V switch in front of the water heater. The connectors may be fried or damaged. If so, cut off and replace the damaged connector, then reinsert the switch.

ii) Suburban Gas RV Water Heater Won’t Stay Lit

If you’re experiencing repeated shutdowns with your Suburban gas RV water heater, there might be several reasons including:

• Inadequate water level
• Faulty gas valve solenoids
• Not enough gas pressure
• Improper electrode gap
• Cracked ceramic electrode
• Improper electrode placement
• Damaged control board

How To Fix:

Follow these troubleshooting steps to fix your gas RV water heater from shutting off repeatedly:

Step 1: Ensure that the water level is adequate.

Step 2: Check the gas valve and make sure both solenoids are working correctly. The resistance should be around 30 to 50 Ohms.

Step 3: Use a manometer to check the gas pressure and adjust it accordingly to ensure it’s within the ideal range of 11” WC to 14” WC.

Step 4: Check the electrode gap, and make sure it’s clean and inside the burner orifice. The gap size should be around ⅛ inch but could vary depending on the model.

Step 5: Check for cracks in the ceramic electrode and replace it if necessary (the OEM part number is 232258).

Step 6: Verify the electrode placement and ensure that it’s in the center of the flame to ignite the gas and light up the burner.

Step 7: If none of the above solves the problem, you might have a damaged control board that needs to be replaced.

If you’re not sure how to perform each step mentioned above, I invite you to read our comprehensive guide on the Suburban RV water heater that keeps shutting down which is linked below in the solution section of the “Suburban RV water heater won’t ignite” issue.

03. Suburban Electric RV Water Heater Not Getting Hot Enough

The reasons and the solutions for the Suburban RV water heater not getting hot enough depends on the type of the water heater. I’ll address them all in the following sections.

i) No Hot Water In Electric RV Water Heater

Suburban RV water heaters not getting hot enough can be caused by various factors, such as:

• A faulty thermostat
• A faulty heating element
• Improper positioning of the bypass valve (if equipped)
• Incorrect placement of the diffuser tubes

How To Fix:

Follow the steps below to troubleshoot the electric RV water heater not getting hot enough:

Step 1: First, check the voltage present at the thermostat and heating element using a voltmeter or a multimeter. The voltage reading should be around 120 VAC. Replace the thermostat if it’s found to be defective.

Step 2: Then, measure the resistance through the heating element with an Ohmmeter or a multimeter. A good element should have around 10 Ohms of resistance.

Step 3: Finally, check the bypass valve (if equipped) for proper positioning, and ensure the diffuser tubes are correctly placed. If the diffuser tube is damaged, replace it.

ii) Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) RV Water Heater Not Getting Hot

There could be several reasons for your DSI water heater not getting hot enough. The reasons are mentioned below:

• The bypass valve may not be in the correct position.
• The plumbing system mixing valves might be open.
• The thermostat might be faulty.
• The diffuser tubes may be installed incorrectly.

How To Fix:

1. First, ensure that the by-pass valves are in the correct position.
2. Close all open mixing valves and check if the thermostat is functioning correctly.
3. If the thermostat is defective, replace it with a new one.
4. Finally, make sure that the diffuser tube is correctly installed.

iii) Not Enough Hot Water In Gas Control System Water Heater

The Suburban gas RV water heater might not get hot enough for the following reasons:

• Low-temperature settings (if equipped)
• Misaligned main burner
• Dirty main burner and/or air intake
• Clogged main burner orifice
• Faulty thermostat gas control

How To Fix: 

To ensure the gas water heater heats properly:

First, check if the water heater temperature is set too low. If you have a pilot ignition system water heater, you should find a temperature adjustment dial as shown in the picture below.

To raise the temperature, turn the dial counterclockwise until you reach the desired temperature level.

However, for water heaters without a pilot ignition system, there is typically no temperature adjustment dial available. They’re preset at the 120°F setting recommended.

So, follow the next step if the water is still not hot enough.

Turn off the power supply. If the main burner is misaligned, remove the burner tube and elbow and realign the elbow.

Now, if the main burner or air intake is obstructed, remove the burner assembly and clear obstructions using a wire brush or compressed air. To clean the main burner orifice, remove the burner assembly and use a small wire or needle to clean it.

If the orifice is too small or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Finally, you should check the thermostat if the problem still persists. If the thermostat gas control is faulty, it can prevent the water from reaching the desired temperature.

To replace the thermostat gas control, first, turn off the power and replace the old thermostat gas control with a new one following the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can read our detailed guide on the Suburban RV water heater not getting hot enough for further clarification.

04. Suburban RV Water Heater Won’t Ignite

If your Suburban RV water heater is not lighting or won’t stay lit, it’s most likely that the ignitor or the spark plug is faulty. However, there might be some other reasons that are preventing your water heater from igniting. Some of the most common reasons are as follows:

• Faulty 12V battery or burned fuse
• Low LP pressure
• Blocked burner tube
• Tripped thermostat
• Faulty heating element or control board

How To Fix:

The below steps will make sure your water heater ignites as it should.

1. Check the battery voltage and 12v fuse to ensure there’s enough charge and the fuse is intact. Reset the high-limit switch if it has been tripped.
2. Confirm adequate propane supply by checking the gas cylinders and ensuring the LP side is getting 11 WC inches of propane pressure. Turn on the gas stove burners to remove air from the lines.
3. Ensure proper electrode assembly and measure the flame current using a meter to ensure it’s 3.0 microamps or above.
4. Check for a failed electrode or spark plug by visually inspecting them.
5. Inspect the gas control valve and ignitor for wear or damage, and replace them if necessary.
6. Check the thermostat and ECO and reset the ECO thermostat if it has tripped. Replace either thermostat if faulty. Verify if the high-limit switch has tripped and reset it if necessary.
7. Ensure the burner tube is not blocked by any debris or dirt and clean it if needed. Check the flue for obstructions and remove any found. Clean it if necessary.
8. Check the heating element and control board for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or discoloration. Replace them if needed. If any issues are found, replace the control board.

A burned-out control board should look like the marked area in the picture above.

Our step-by-step guideline on Suburban RV water heater not lighting should come in handy if you need a more detailed guideline.

05. Suburban RV Water Heater Leaking

Suburban RV water heater generally leaks from two places:

• From the pressure relief valve
• From the anode rod

Don’t you worry! Leaking water from your water heater from the above-mentioned places is not that big of a concern and it’s quite easy to fix if you follow our guidelines carefully.

i) Suburban RV Water Heater Leaking From The Pressure Relief Valve

The Suburban RV water heater leaks from the pressure relief valve due to lack of air pockets and it does not require any part replacement.

How To Fix:

To fix a pressure relief valve leaking:

1. Turn off the water supply and open the hot water faucet closest to the water heater.
2. Open the pressure relief valve until the water stops, then shut it off.
3. Close the hot water faucet, turn on the water supply, and check if the leak has stopped.
4. Repeat if necessary to restore the air pocket at the top of the water heater.

ii) RV Water Heater Leaking From The Anode Rod

If the threads of the anode rod are corroded, you may find that water is leaking from the anode rod. To fix the issue, all you need to do is Teflon tape the anode rod threads.

How To Fix:

To Teflon tape the anode rod threads, follow the below steps:

1. Turn off the heater and allow it to cool for a day or two.
2. Release pressure from the valve and drain the tank.
3. Use a socket to remove the anode rod, clean it if needed, then wrap it with Teflon tape.
4. Screw it back in and refill the tank.
5. Finally, check for leaks and dispose of the drained water properly.

Also, you can read the detailed instructions on how to fix Suburban RV water heater leaking issues if you find the above instructions hard to follow.

06. Suburban RV Water Heater Making Noise

The Suburban RV water heater sometimes makes strange noises. Some most common noises the users face are listed in the table below:

The above table provides a quick glimpse of the water heater making strange noises. Now, let’s explore every reason and its solution in detail.

i) Mineral And/Or Sediment Buildup

If there’s any mineral and/or sediment buildup in your water heater, you’ll hear the following noises:

• Whining Noise
• Popping or Cracking Noise
• Whistling Noise

To get rid of the annoying noise, you need to clean the water heater tank. Scroll down to learn about the cleaning process.

How To Flush The Suburban Water Heater Tank

Step 1: Flush out as much calcium and magnesium buildup as possible.

Step 2: Add a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to the RV water heater tank.

Step 3: Let it sit for a few hours, or overnight.

Step 4: Drain the mixture by opening up the plug and pressure release valve.

Step 5: Repeat with clean water to remove the vinegar taste and smell from water lines and faucets.

If the heating element hasn’t been cleaned for quite a while, and the sediment buildup level gets severe, you need to clean or replace the heating element.

The above solution should work to clean the heating element as well.

However, if the descaling treatment doesn’t work, remove and clean the heating element separately. If the problem persists, replace the heating element.

ii) Improper Water Pressure

When the water pressure in your water heater gets too high, you may hear whining or dripping sounds from the pressure relief valve. 

The valve opens and releases pressure when the temperature or water pressure reaches a certain level and makes a whining noise. For Suburban RV water heaters, it’s 210 degrees F or 150 PSI respectively.

How To Lower The Water Pressure?

Normally, if you keep the water heater off for a couple of hours or a day, the water pressure decreases automatically.

However, you can manually release some pressure from the pressure relief valve as well. But make sure you take proper protective measures as you’ll be dealing with hot water.

Special note: The pressure relief valve is a safety device that allows steam to escape when the unit overheats. If the pressure relief valve frequently whistles, have a professional inspect the water heater to avoid dangerous accidents.

iii) Loose Drain Plug/Other Connection

Whistling sounds from air or steam escaping the RV water heater can come from a loose drain plug or other connection on the back of the unit.

To tighten the connections:

1. Check the drain plug and connections for any looseness.
2. Tighten the connections to prevent air or steam from escaping.

iv) Crack In The Tank

If there is a crack in the RV water heater tank, it can cause a whistling noise along with water leaks.

Follow the steps below to fix the crack or replace the tank:

1. Turn off the water supply to the unit.
2. Drain the tank completely.
3. Use a patch kit or sealant to fix the crack.
4. If the crack is too severe, replace the tank.

v) Lean Propane Mixture

If the RV water heater is producing a roaring sound, it can be due to a lean propane mixture, which means the propane burner is running too lean or has too much air.

To adjust the flame:

1. Access the propane burner.
2. Adjust the airflow to the propane burner in the water heater.
3. Ensure the flame is mostly blue as shown in the following image.
4. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, adjust the airflow until the flame is blue.

The following video demonstrates how to adjust the airflow: 

07. Suburban RV Water Heater Water Too Hot

Your Suburban RV water heater will supply too hot water for the following reasons:

• High-temperature setting
• Loose thermostat
• Incorrect orifice size
• Improper gas pressure
• Faulty thermostat

How To Fix:

Here I’m providing some easy and simple steps to prevent your water heater from overheating.

Step 1: The first thing you need to look at is the water heater’s temperature setting. If you have a pilot ignition system water heater, you should find a temperature adjustment dial as shown in the picture below.

If the temperature is set too high, it will cause the water to get too hot. To lower the temperature, turn the dial clockwise until you reach the desired temperature level.

However, for water heaters without a pilot ignition system, there is typically no temperature adjustment dial available. They’re preset at the 120°F setting recommended.

Step 2: Now, check the thermostat placement. The water heater will make the water too hot if the thermostat is not properly secured to the tank.

To secure the thermostat:

• Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool down.
• Remove the cover from the water heater and locate the thermostat.
• Try to wiggle the thermostat and check for any free-play.
• If there’s any free play, secure the thermostat properly. If you don’t know how to do that, contact a professional.
• Reinstall the cover and turn the water heater back on to check if the problem is resolved.

Still getting too hot water? Follow the next step.

Step 3: If the orifice size is incorrect, it can cause the water to become too hot.

The orifice is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the burner, and if it is too small or too large, it can affect the flame size and temperature of the water.

So, make sure you’re using the correct sized orifice. You’ll get the orifice size on your user manual. If it doesn’t match the manufacturer’s recommended size, replace the orifice.

To replace the orifice:

• Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool down.
• Locate the orifice at the base of the water heater and use a wrench to remove it.
• Check the size of the orifice and compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications. If it is too small, replace it with the correct size.

Step 4: If the orifice issue is fixed and the problem still persists, you need to check the gas pressure.

The gas pressure is also responsible for the temperature of the water. If it’s too high or too low, it can also affect the flame size and temperature.

• Check the gas pressure and ensure that it is set to 11 WC inches to 14 WC inches. If the pressure isn’t within this range, call a technician to fix the issue.
• Reinstall the orifice and turn the water heater back on to check if the problem is resolved.

Step 5: If none of the above methods fix the overheating issue, the thermostat could be the culprit.

A thermostat failure can also cause the water to become too hot if it can’t control the temperature properly.

To diagnose the thermostat for the water being too hot:

• Check that both 120V switches are turned on. If the primary switch is not lit, check the circuit breaker or connection on the back of the light switch.
• The thermostat controls the heating element and stops it when the water is hot enough. The temperature limit is 130 degrees F (+/- 5 degrees F). If the thermostat fails, the water temperature can keep rising.
• If the water temperature gets too high, a safety switch called a Hi-Limit or Electric Cut Off (ECO) will open the electrical circuit causing no power to the element and cutting off power to it.
• Press both reset buttons on the back of the water heater.

If pressing the reset buttons restores operation, it means the Hi-Limit/ECO switch had cut off power because the thermostat failed to stop the heating element.

If the problem persists, it could be a faulty thermostat, which needs to be replaced.

08. Suburban Rv Water Heater Bad Smell

A bad smell coming from the Suburban RV water heater is usually caused by chlorination of the water system. This occurs due to the reaction between chlorine and certain organic compounds present in the water, creating volatile gases that emit a foul scent.

How To Fix:

To eliminate the bad smell from your Suburban RV water heater, you need to flush the system following these simple steps:

Step 1: Measure out about six (6) ounces of common household liquid bleach per 10 gallons of water in the tank.

Step 2: Add the bleach to the water tank and turn on the water pump to let the chlorinated water flow through the system.

Step 3: Open each faucet one at a time and run the water until you smell the chlorine.

Step 4: Let the water sit for a few days to allow the chlorine to disinfect the water system.

Step 5: Flush the system with fresh water several times to remove the chlorine smell.

Step 6: To prevent future sulfur smells, consider installing a filtering system that removes chlorine and other contaminants.

Step 7: If the bad smell persists, repeat the process above and replace the anode rod if necessary.

Note: Make sure to handle the bleach carefully and avoid contact with skin or eyes.

How To Reset Suburban RV Water Heater?

If your Suburban RV water heater is not working properly, resetting it might help. Follow the steps below to reset your Suburban RV water heater:

• Turn off the power switch for 5-10 seconds and then turn it back on to reset the appliance from LOCKOUT mode.
• Locate the reset buttons inside the interior panel of the water heater. The left switch is for electric power, the right switch is for LP gas, and the last switch is for a full shutdown.

• Press and hold the reset button for a couple of seconds until you hear a humming noise.
• Make sure the water temperature is below 110°F before pressing the reset button. If the temperature is above this limit, the manual reset button will trip, shutting down the main burner.

So, wait for the water temperature to cool down before resetting.

Well, I’ve written detailed instructions for resetting the Suburban RV water heater that you might want to read. It’ll clarify all your concerns regarding the resetting procedure.

Suburban Rv Water Heater Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your Suburban RV water heater is essential to keep it functioning optimally and avoid potential safety hazards.

Regular inspection for damage and leaks, cleaning the burner tube and vents, checking and replacing the anode rod periodically, and draining the water before winter storage are some general practices for Suburban RV water heater maintenance.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid turning on the heater when the tank is empty.

You can check out this detailed Suburban RV water heater maintenance guide to keep your water heater in top-notch condition for years to come.

FAQs:

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Suburban RV Water Heater Troubleshooting involves various steps to diagnose and resolve common issues.

It is essential to check the electrical supply, thermostat, and water heater switch for faults.

Additionally, inspecting the burner, vents, anode rod, and pressure relief valve is crucial. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the burner tube and tank, and installing a water heater bypass valve, can prevent future problems.

Remember to follow safety precautions and seek professional help if needed. I hope this troubleshooting guide has been helpful in resolving your RV water heater issues.

You can also check out our troubleshooting guide on Girard tankless RV water heater if you have Girard tankless RV water heater.