Hot Water Heater Clicking

[Teroy]

We had the electric hot water heater on to do dishes. It started clicking like it was trying to turn on. The lights in the RV started flickering. I turned it off for a while and now it seems O.K. Any thoughts?

[Kevin Cooper]

Originally Posted by Teroy

We had the electric hot water heater on to do dishes. It started clicking like it was trying to turn on. The lights in the RV started flickering. I turned it off for a while and now it seems O.K. Any thoughts?

The heating element is 120 volts, so not that. The printed circuit board that controls the gas valve, gas igniter, and the electric heater is 12 volt. I’m thinking a relay on the control board was not functioning since it was flickering the lights. You might want to get a new one to have ready when it fails.

[Teroy]

Thanks Kevin. I did some more research last night and you're probably correct. I'll order a relay.

[Kevin Cooper]

Originally Posted by Teroy

Thanks Kevin. I did some more research last night and you're probably correct. I'll order a relay.

So, it’s the gas solenoid? I thought it was when on electric?

[norty1]

The control board on the newer models is powered by 12vdc.

[Teroy]

We haven't been using the electric hot water heater since the clicking started. We've only been using propane. This morning, suddenly the clicking started again. The electric heater breaker is shut off. The only way to stop the clicking is to turn off the master power switch and leave it off for a bit. Then when you reset the switch, the clicking stops. Any thoughts?

[Teroy]

The clicking stopped for a while and then started again. Propane & electric water heaters are off. I turned off the 50 amp breakers on the converter. When I turned them back on, the clicking happened quicker and quicker till it stopped. I am stumped.