Water Heater issue

[Dri]

Hi Guys,
I have a 2016 Jayco SLX with and Attwood water heater. It's not working and I'm trying to trouble shoot. If I drain it, to clean it, how do I refill it? The propane is on, I've checked connections, fuses, etc. I'm going to replace the sensors and circut board, but can't remember how to refill the tank if I drain it. Help is appreciated!

[Route 66 Traveler]

Turn on your water pump, open a hot water faucet, when the water has a steady flow from the faucet turn the pump off.


DO NOT turn on the gas burner or electric heating element with an empty water heater.

[RedHorse1]

If you are using water from the FW tank, if you are using a “city water” hookup you do not need to run the pump too.
Also be sure the WH is not in bypass mode. The valves may be on the back side of the heater or as in my case located in the water connection cabinet. There should be 2 or 3 valves.

[Dri]

What does FW mean? It was working last time I used it, and now it's not, so I'm guessing bypass valves aren't the issue? I want to drain it to make sure it's filled up fully, but I don't know how to make sure it has water in it after I drain it. I'm hooked up to city water. Does it fill automatically?

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Dri

What does FW mean? It was working last time I used it, and now it's not, so I'm guessing bypass valves aren't the issue? I want to drain it to make sure it's filled up fully, but I don't know how to make sure it has water in it after I drain it. I'm hooked up to city water. Does it fill automatically?

Yes if it was working last time on city water. You have to replace the drain plug, close the relief valve and open a hot water faucet to get the air out of the tank as it fills.

Try looking around the gas and burner tubes for spider webs and dirt dauber nests.

[sandinista72]

FW = Fresh water

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Dri

What does FW mean? It was working last time I used it, and now it's not, so I'm guessing bypass valves aren't the issue? I want to drain it to make sure it's filled up fully, but I don't know how to make sure it has water in it after I drain it. I'm hooked up to city water. Does it fill automatically?

With your rig attached to pressurized city water, let the entire system build up to pressure. Assuming your valves are set correctly, your water heater tank will fill automatically. Then go inside and run a faucet for a few minutes on hot and a few minutes on cold. Then go outside the rig, open the water heater access panel. On the top right of the water heater, there is a pressure relief valve; lift it gently. If water comes out, you have water in your tank. At this point, this should be cold water assuming you have not turned on the heat to the tank. If you HAVE turned on heat to the tank (gas or electric), be VERY careful lifting that relief valve as scalding hot water may spew out.

I do this as a matter of course before I activate the water heater, just to be sure there's water in there. This also helps "burp" any air out of the tank.