Replacing Heating Element In RV Water Heater

ByEric James Updated on

There’s nothing quite like the frustration of cold showers or lukewarm dishwater when you’re out on the open road in your RV. It’s a common issue that can quickly dampen the spirit of adventure. Often, the culprit is a faulty heating element in your RV’s water heater.

But don’t pack up and head home just yet! Learning how to tackle common RV repairs yourself is a cornerstone of smart outdoor living and self-sufficiency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of replacing the heating element in your RV water heater, ensuring you have a steady supply of hot water, no matter where your travels take you.

We’ll cover everything from diagnosing the problem and gathering the right tools to a step-by-step replacement guide, essential safety tips, and post-installation care. Get ready to empower yourself with the knowledge to keep your RV comfortable and your adventures uninterrupted.

Understanding Your RV Water Heater and Its Heating Element

Before diving into the replacement process, it’s helpful to understand how your RV water heater works. Most RVs use either a gas (propane) or electric water heater, or a combination of both. The electric heating element is responsible for heating water when your RV is connected to shore power.

Think of the heating element as a specialized resistor. When electricity flows through it, the element heats up, transferring that heat to the surrounding water in the tank. This allows you to have hot water without consuming your precious propane supply, which is a significant benefit of replacing heating element in RV water heater when it fails.

Over time, these elements can burn out due to several factors, including mineral buildup from hard water, dry firing (operating the element without water in the tank), or simply old age. When an element fails, your electric hot water option stops working, leaving you reliant on propane or, worse, cold water.

Is It Time for a Replacement? Diagnosing a Faulty RV Water Heater Heating Element

Knowing when to replace your heating element can save you a lot of guesswork and unnecessary repairs. Proper diagnosis is key before you start the process of replacing heating element in RV water heater.

Here are common signs that your electric heating element might be faulty:

  • No Hot Water on Electric: Your water heater works fine on propane, but when you switch to electric, the water remains cold.
  • Tripped Breaker: The circuit breaker for your water heater trips frequently when the electric heating element is engaged. This can indicate a short in the element.
  • Lukewarm Water: The water gets warm but never reaches its usual hot temperature. This could mean the element is partially failing.

Testing Your Heating Element with a Multimeter

To confirm your suspicions, you can test the element’s continuity using a multimeter. This is one of the crucial replacing heating element in RV water heater tips.

  1. Disconnect Power: Always turn off all power to your RV water heater at the breaker panel. Ensure both AC (shore power) and DC (battery) power are off.
  2. Access the Element: Locate the heating element. It’s typically found on the back or side of the water heater, often under a protective cover.
  3. Disconnect Wires: Carefully disconnect the two electrical wires leading to the element.
  4. Set Multimeter: Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting.
  5. Test Continuity: Touch one probe to each terminal of the heating element. A good element will typically show a resistance reading between 9 and 15 ohms. An element with infinite resistance (open circuit) or zero resistance (short circuit) is faulty and needs replacement.

If your test confirms the element is bad, you’re ready to move on to the next steps for replacing heating element in RV water heater.

Gathering Your Gear: Essential Tools for Replacing Your RV Water Heater Heating Element

Having the right tools on hand makes the job much smoother and safer. Before you begin the actual process, gather everything you’ll need. This preparation is a fundamental part of any replacing heating element in RV water heater guide.

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Here’s a list of essential equipment:

  • New RV Water Heater Heating Element: Ensure it’s the correct voltage (120V or 240V) and wattage for your specific RV water heater model. Check your water heater’s manual or the old element for specifications.
  • Heating Element Wrench: This specialized wrench fits around the large hex nut of the heating element. A standard socket wrench might not be deep enough.
  • Socket Wrench Set: For removing any access panels or covers.
  • Teflon Tape (Plumber’s Tape): For sealing the threads of the new element to prevent leaks.
  • Wire Brush or Sandpaper: To clean the threads in the tank if there’s significant mineral buildup.
  • Bucket or Drain Pan: To catch any residual water when draining the tank and removing the element.
  • Adjustable Wrench or Pliers: For hoses or other connections.
  • Screwdriver Set: Phillips and flathead.
  • Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris or water.
  • Work Gloves: For protection and better grip.
  • Flashlight or Headlamp: RV compartments can be dark.
  • Shop Towels or Rags: For cleanup.
  • Multimeter: For initial diagnosis and final checks.

Taking the time to gather these items beforehand embodies replacing heating element in RV water heater best practices and prevents frustrating interruptions during the repair.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Heating Element in RV Water Heater Safely and Effectively

This section provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how to replacing heating element in RV water heater. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful repair.

Safety First: Disconnecting Power and Water

This step is non-negotiable. Skipping it can lead to serious injury or damage.

  1. Turn Off All Power: Go to your RV’s main electrical panel. Locate the breaker labeled “Water Heater” (or similar) and switch it to the OFF position. If connected to shore power, unplug your RV. Disconnect your RV’s 12V battery power as well, usually by turning off the battery disconnect switch.
  2. Turn Off Water Supply: Close the main water supply valve to your RV. If you’re connected to city water, disconnect the hose. If using your freshwater tank, turn off the water pump.

Always double-check that both electric and water supplies are completely off before proceeding.

Draining the Water Heater Tank

You cannot remove the heating element with water in the tank.

  1. Open Hot Water Faucet: Open a hot water faucet inside your RV (e.g., in the kitchen or bathroom). This helps to relieve pressure in the system and allows air to enter the tank, facilitating drainage.
  2. Locate Drain Plug: Find the drain plug on the exterior of your RV water heater. It’s usually a plastic or brass plug at the bottom of the tank.
  3. Remove Drain Plug: Place a bucket or drain pan beneath the plug. Carefully remove the drain plug. Be prepared for a rush of water.
  4. Open Pressure Relief Valve (Optional but Recommended): For faster draining, you can carefully lift the handle on the pressure relief valve (T&P valve) located on the top or side of the water heater. Be cautious as hot water may spray out. Once drained, close the valve.
  5. Flush the Tank (Optional): While the tank is empty, it’s an excellent time to flush out sediment. Use a water heater flushing wand inserted into the drain opening to spray water around the inside of the tank. This extends the life of your new element and improves efficiency.

Allow the tank to drain completely before proceeding. This might take 10-15 minutes.

Removing the Old Heating Element

Now that the tank is empty and depressurized, you can access the element.

  1. Access the Element: Remove any protective covers or panels that conceal the heating element. These are usually held on by screws.
  2. Disconnect Wires: Take a photo of the wiring configuration before disconnecting the wires from the heating element terminals. This will help you reconnect them correctly. Use your screwdriver to loosen terminal screws if necessary.
  3. Loosen the Element: Place your specialized heating element wrench over the hex nut of the element. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen it. It might be tight, so apply steady pressure.
  4. Remove the Element: Once loose, carefully unscrew the element by hand. Be ready for a small amount of residual water to drip out. Catch it with your bucket.
  5. Inspect the Old Element: Look at the old element. You might see significant scale buildup or signs of burning, confirming its failure.
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This is a critical step in the replacing heating element in RV water heater process, so take your time.

Installing the New Heating Element

This is where your new part comes in.

  1. Clean Threads: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean any corrosion or mineral buildup from the threads inside the water heater tank where the element screws in. This ensures a good seal.
  2. Apply Teflon Tape: Wrap the threads of the new heating element with two to three layers of Teflon tape, wrapping clockwise. This creates a watertight seal.
  3. Insert New Element: Carefully thread the new heating element into the opening by hand. Make sure it’s not cross-threaded.
  4. Tighten the Element: Use your heating element wrench to tighten the element securely. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the threads or the element itself. Aim for snug, but not extreme, tightness.
  5. Reconnect Wires: Refer to your photo and reconnect the electrical wires to the new heating element’s terminals. Ensure connections are tight and secure.
  6. Replace Covers: Reinstall any protective covers or panels you removed.

Proper sealing is crucial here to prevent leaks, a common issue for those new to replacing heating element in RV water heater.

Refilling the Tank and Testing

The final steps involve bringing your water heater back online and checking for proper function.

  1. Replace Drain Plug: Screw the drain plug back into the water heater tank. Tighten it securely.
  2. Turn On Water Supply: Slowly open the main water supply valve to your RV. If using your freshwater tank, turn on the water pump.
  3. Purge Air from System: Go inside your RV and open a hot water faucet. Let the water run until all air is purged from the lines and a steady stream of water flows out. This ensures the tank is completely full before applying power.
  4. Check for Leaks: Inspect around the new heating element and the drain plug for any signs of leaks. If you see drips, tighten the element or plug slightly more.
  5. Turn On Power: Once you’ve confirmed no leaks and the tank is full, return to your RV’s electrical panel and switch the water heater breaker back to the ON position.
  6. Test for Hot Water: Wait 15-30 minutes for the water to heat up. Then, check a hot water faucet. You should now have hot water on electric!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed the process of replacing heating element in RV water heater!

Post-Replacement Care and Maintenance for Your RV Water Heater

Now that your RV water heater is back in top shape, a little ongoing care will keep it running efficiently and extend the life of your new heating element. This commitment to maintenance is part of a sustainable replacing heating element in RV water heater approach, reducing future waste and costs.

  • Regular Flushing: Flush your water heater tank at least once a year, or more frequently if you travel in areas with hard water. This removes sediment that can build up around the element, causing it to work harder and potentially burn out faster.
  • Anode Rod Inspection: Most RV water heaters (especially Suburban models) have an anode rod. This rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank from corrosion. Inspect and replace it annually, or when it’s 75% depleted.
  • Avoid Dry Firing: Never turn on the electric heating element if the water heater tank is empty. This will instantly burn out the element. Always ensure the tank is full and air is purged before flipping that switch.
  • Temperature Settings: Use your water heater’s thermostat to set the temperature to a comfortable, but not excessively hot, level. Higher temperatures can accelerate mineral buildup.
  • Winterization: Properly winterize your RV water heater before cold weather hits. Drain it completely and bypass it if your system allows, preventing freezing and potential damage to the element and tank.
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By following these replacing heating element in RV water heater care guide tips, you’ll ensure a longer, more reliable service life from your water heater.

Troubleshooting Common Problems After Replacing Your RV Water Heater Heating Element

Even with careful execution, sometimes new issues arise. Here’s a quick guide to common problems and solutions after replacing heating element in RV water heater.

  • Still No Hot Water on Electric:
    • Check Breaker: Ensure the water heater breaker is ON and hasn’t tripped.
    • Wiring: Double-check that the wires are securely connected to the element terminals.
    • Thermostat/ECO: Your water heater has a thermostat and an ECO (Emergency Cut-Off) switch. These can trip if there’s an overheating issue. Locate the small reset buttons on them (usually under a rubber cover) and press them firmly.
    • New Element Failure: Although rare, a new element can be faulty. Test it with your multimeter as you did the old one.
  • Water Leaking Around the Element:
    • Tightness: The element might not be tight enough. Gently tighten it a bit more with your wrench.
    • Teflon Tape: Insufficient or improperly applied Teflon tape can cause leaks. If tightening doesn’t work, you may need to drain the tank, remove the element, reapply tape, and reinstall.
  • Breaker Trips Immediately:
    • Short Circuit: This usually indicates a short. Recheck your wiring connections for any exposed wires touching metal. Ensure the element itself isn’t touching the tank’s internal walls.
    • Faulty Element: A new element can sometimes be defective and have an internal short.

If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and are still facing issues, it might be time to consult a qualified RV technician. Sometimes, deeper electrical or system problems require professional expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Your RV Water Heater Heating Element

Here are some common questions travelers have about this essential RV maintenance task.

How often should I replace my RV water heater heating element?

There’s no fixed schedule. The element typically lasts several years, but its lifespan depends on usage, water quality, and whether it’s ever been dry-fired. Replace it when it fails, as indicated by the troubleshooting steps above.

Can I use any heating element for my RV water heater?

No, you must use an element specifically designed for your RV water heater’s make and model. Pay close attention to the voltage (usually 120V for RVs) and wattage. Using the wrong element can lead to poor performance or damage to your system.

What are the benefits of replacing heating element in RV water heater myself?

Doing it yourself saves you money on labor costs, empowers you with valuable DIY skills, and allows you to understand your RV’s systems better. It also gives you the satisfaction of knowing you can maintain your rig on the go, making you a more self-reliant adventurer.

Is replacing the heating element a difficult DIY job for beginners?

For a beginner with basic mechanical skills, this is a very achievable DIY repair. The most critical aspects are following safety procedures, ensuring the tank is empty, and proper sealing. If you’re comfortable with simple tools and following instructions, you can do it.

What if my RV only has a propane water heater?

If your RV water heater operates solely on propane, it will not have an electric heating element. In this case, if you’re experiencing issues with hot water, you’d be troubleshooting propane system components like the igniter, thermocouple, or gas valve, not an electric element.

Mastering the skill of replacing heating element in RV water heater is a fantastic step toward greater self-sufficiency on your adventures. It saves money, builds confidence, and ensures you always have the comfort of hot water, even in the most remote locations.

By understanding your RV’s systems and performing routine maintenance, you’re not just fixing a problem—you’re investing in smoother travels and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Embrace the DIY spirit, stay prepared, and keep exploring confidently.

Eric James
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