RV Hot Water Heater Preventative Maintenance

Water Heater Preventative Maintenance

Spiders, mud wasps, and other insects can build nests in the burner tube. This will cause poor combustion, delayed ignition or ignition outside combustion tube. Listen for a change in the burner sounds or in the flame appearance from a hard blue flame to a soft lazy flame or one that is very yellow. These are indications of an obstruction in the burner tube. Inspect and clean the burner tube on a regular basis.

Inspect and clean the burner tube on a regular basis.

1. Remove air shutter screw and slide air shutter down burner tube.

2. Run a flexible wire brush down burner tube until it is visible at end of burner tube.

3. Vacuum burner where it enters combustion tube.

4. Return air shutter to original position and replace screw.

How to Clean Pilot Models:

1. Check main burner orifice and pilot assembly for contamination (dirt, spider webs, etc.).

2. Clean main burner tube with a small brush.

3. Main burner adjustment - open air shutter 1/4 way.

4. Low pilot flame. Check for contamination - if clean have the pilot orifice replaced.

How to Clean Electronic Ignition Model:

1. Check main burner orifice.

2. Clean and adjust main burner.

3. Main burner and valve manifold must align with each other.

4. Check electrode for cracked porcelain.

5. Check electrode for proper gap - 1/8 inch between electrode and ground.

6. If module board functions intermittently, remove board and clean terminal block with pencil eraser.

Caution: The maintenance recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any maintenance procedures. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.

Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.

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