Water Heater Problem 2019 Hummingbird 17RK

TheTipster · 04-05-2019, 06:49 PM

Can someone tell me what I’m doing wrong with my 2019 Hummingbird 17RK water heater? Out for a first trip, hooked up to City water and electric. Turned on hot water at sink, then city water and allowed it to run a few minutes. Turned on electric water heater button on panel. 45 minutes later don’t even have warm water. Help?

Donpop · 04-05-2019, 07:12 PM

Tipster: Your water heater will probably have, in addition to the switch on the wall panel,an off-on switch on the side of the water heater behind the outside door. Check to see that it is on.

RogerR · 04-05-2019, 07:22 PM

Did you test the water heater before you left home? Or at the dealers when you bought it?

If it worked then but not now have you:

Checked the breaker on the breaker panel to make sure it is on.
Checked to make sure it is turned on.
Are your bypass valves set to let water through the heater or bypass it?
Is the heater plugged into power (some have a plug and an outlet.

Have you ever tried to operate it without water in it? That can burn out the element.

Mine takes quite a while to come up to hot, did you let it rest for an hour or two before trying to get water out.

TheTipster · 04-05-2019, 07:32 PM

Bypass valves? Where is that?

RogerR · 04-05-2019, 08:07 PM

Check your manual that came with the RV. The valves are usually located in the same area as the water pump and the water heater. Mine are located behind a panel held on by two screws. Yours may have a door. Since you will have to get in there to do maintenance, winterize, etc. I added hinges to my panel and made it into a door for easier access.

The purpose of the bypass valves is to allow you select running water through the water heater or using it. They are part of the winterizing sequence and flushing out and sanitizing the water system.

You may want to go back to the dealer and get another new owner training on this if you don't have a neighbor who can help you out.

Run the pump for a few seconds and you should be able to hear where the pump is located.

Jim Davis · 04-05-2019, 08:49 PM

On the 17RK the bypass valves are on the left side under the mattress. You will have to pull a couple screws to get to it and lift the left hand section of plywood.

wiscampsin · 04-06-2019, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Davis

On the 17RK the bypass valves are on the left side under the mattress. You will have to pull a couple screws to get to it and lift the left hand section of plywood.

X2. It helps to have another person hold up the mattress while getting to the water heater bypass valves. I hold the mattress up with a piece of 2X4.

TheTipster · 04-06-2019, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

X2. It helps to have another person hold up the mattress while getting to the water heater bypass valves. I hold the mattress up with a piece of 2X4.

Thanks for the help. When I get to the bypass valve, how will I know if it’s open or closed? Also should it be open or closed for water heater operation?

Jim Davis · 04-06-2019, 01:06 PM

There should be two valves. Their handles parallel to the water flow.

After checking the bypass open a hot water valve and let it run long enough to purge any air from the system. The heater holds six gallons.

Also as has been.mentioned check the breaker on the panel next to the door. It does take some time to get hot water.

One last thought, there is also a Facebook Hummingbird Group.

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