Hot water

[mustang92]

I'm asking this question because there is so much expertise on this site. My son and his family just started rving in SOB trailer. The trailer has a six gal hot water heater, but he says he is only able to get about 2 gal of hot water before running out. Anyone have any ideas why?

[HamRad]

Mustang92,

It might be that the HWH has developed a large air bubble. One should definitely get more than 2 gallons!

Good luck and let us know what they find out.

HamRad

[Waynem]

What year is the trailer? It could be that there is a build up of calcium, etc., in the heater which would cause a loss of quantity. If it is jut an air bubble, you could try releasing the pressure regulator valve, and the air should come out. If you see water coming out then there is no air in the system.

If it is a build up of crud, it may need professional cleaning. Take a look at the anode rod. When it is out, see if there is a build up of crud. I believe there have been other posts on how to clean it out.

[racerjoe]

are they using too much hot water all at once? you know,full flow like they are at home. with only a six gallon tank, it starts replacing that with cold inlet water and the burner can't get it hot fast enough. Also,are they "running out" or our they starting to get luke warm water because of the cold water inlet mix?

[NCFischers]

I agree with racerjoe. As cold water flows in and mixes with the hot, it cools the water.

[bw2]

Try relieving the air/water by opening the valve outside on the water heater. I had this happen one time as well. This helped.

[kerry]

One thing to check. Most HWH's today have bypass kits on them for winterizing. If the valves are not fully opened and closed in the correct position, some strange things can happen. Kerry

[mustang92]

Thanks for the suggestions. It is a new trailer and their first rv. The by-pass was partly open (or closed). That fixed the problem.