Water Heater Help?

[golf_bears]

Have an RV with Suburban SW12DE water heater. Water heater not working on electric but does work on LP.

The water heater “on switch” in the lower coat closet, near the breaker/fuse box, lights up when I flip it on, red light. Flipped the electric water heather breaker, as well as the GFCI off/on and all looks OK.

Took the V meter and tested for power at the electric heating element, no power appears to be going through the element. Confusing because the “on switch’s” red light lights up.

I’m suspecting I need a new heating element?

Are there any other on/off switches I’m not aware of?

I hit the reset switch/buttons, nothing changed, felt like the switch hadn’t tripped.

Any suggestions from anyone? All help appreciated, thanks in advance.

[morscuba]

There are two things you need to do.
1. Make sure the on off switch in the outside compartment is in the on position.
2. Press your reset button in the outside compartment.. Its a black rubber button sitting about in the middle of the WH.
If neither one of those work have the control board checked. You might be able to do it yourself.. Its a reach but is hidden/placed on the insulation on top of the water heater..

[morscuba]

Sorry didn't see you hit the reset button..The other on off switch is a little black toggle switch

[golf_bears]

morscuba,

I forgot to mention that I did flip the switch off and on in the heater compartment.

Any other suggestions?

[morscuba]

When mine went out,,it turned out to be the control board. Its a plug and play but kind of expensive..I guess go cheap first & replace the heating element first then get a new control board...I want to say it was $50 and some change but so long ago I can't remember..It was still under warranty but Suburban said it was caused by a power spike,,,(Whatever).
Hope its an easy fix.

[BobW]

Check out the best boards'

http://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/

[sje]

the element in the water heater should have continuity if it is any good. simple test if you a voltage tester. sje

[Jim Keefer]

The little black switch on the outside at bottom of heater on mine got so hot it made it brittle and was broke on the back side of switch. I couldn't see where it was broke until I pulled it out.. Sometimes making contact and sometimes not..

[golf_bears]

Thanks for all the help gang!! Will test a few more things before I start buying parts based on your suggestions.

sje: I did the continuity test; heating element appears to be intact.

Jim Keefer: Good suggestion will check that out next. (Was great meeting you on the way to Lake Havasu, hope all is OK now with your RV tires?)

BobW: Thanks for the web site for parts, certainly will use it if I need parts.

morscuba: I sent you a PM with my phone number, I would like to discuss how to get at that circuit board if I need to. Please call me, thanks.

[morscuba]

Never got the PM..In the mean time,,If you can see the back of your water heater look up towards the top. You will see a pig tail of wires going up to a little 4"x 6" circut board.. I can also see it if I go through the pantry access door.

[golf_bears]

morscuba: Just tried to PM you again, hope it gets through this time.

Will also try to find circuit board per you instructions, thanks.

[Jim Keefer]

Roland, How did you make out with the water heater?

[golf_bears]

Hi Jim,

I still have your suggestion to check out. Not rushing, still have hot water w/ LP. May get to it before we get home in Oct.? If not, will fix it then. It's either the switch, as you suggested, or the circuit board, as morscuba suggested.

Enjoying our summer run, now in Cascade, ID. This certainly is gorgeous country.

Take care.

Roland