Hot Water Heater Electric/LP Questions

[T42]

We have a 2011 BigHorn. In the past we have used the electric switch for the hot water heater. No problem. On this trip we hooked up to the electric & got our hot water but this afternoon we discovered we had no hot water. Electric switch is on; we know that we have had hot water from it as recent as this morning. Husband has switched on the LP so we are waiting for it to do it's thing. Any ideas and/or suggestions regarding the electric switch? BTW, circuit breaker checks out ok. Thanks for your help!

 

[jimtoo]

Hi T42,

If the switch was left on and you hooked up to power and the heater had no water in it,, it could have ruined the element. Also turn the breaker off and then on. You might check to make sure the heater is pluged in and that the little switch outside did not get turned off some how.

Let us know what you find.

Jim M

Well after rereading your post...if you had hot water earlier...check and see if anything else is not working...maybe one side of the 50 amp service is not working.. reset the park breakers. If all OK there... you would need multimeter to check to make sure you have voltage at the element and that the element is good.

Jim M

 

[Rickhansen]

Outside switch turned off? Tank full of water? Resettable high limit tripped? Heating element failed?

Time to get out out your multi-meter and do some checking.

 

[JohnDar]

Based on your description, it sounds like either the electric heating element has failed or the 120V T-stat/Hi-limit switch has tripped. Go out to the water heater and remove the cover panel. You should see two round black "buttons" side by side. The one on the right is most likely the 120V switch, the other is the 12V switch. Press them and listen for a click. If it clicks, it was tripped and you've just reset it. No click, it wasn't tripped. If all other fuses/breakers check out, then suspect the element. Not overly expensive to replace, but requires a little disassembly to get at it.

The first photo shows the two reset switches. The second is the cover over the end of the element and what has to be moved to get at it. If it is the element, and you want to DIY, you'll need to pick up the wrench for it, as well. Costs about $6.00 and should be available where you get the new element.

 

[lorax]

JohnDar'
Thanks! This is great advice.
Ted

 

[T42]

A BIG thank you to all who replied. Have gained a great deal of information, insight and help from your posts. Husband got the hot water via the LP and then waited about 24 hours. Flipped the electric switch and voila! Hot water heater with electric! As close as we can figure it may be a wiring and/or switch thing...or maybe a good case of "operator error." (Who? Us?? Nah.....!!!) Will have it checked out when we get back. But I want to thank you ALL for your time and support.