no hot water - sometimes

[DemLin]

We have a 2006 3500RL with a Suburban SW10de water heater. Sometimes we have hot water and sometimes nothing. I have to go outside to the "control panel" and turn the water heater bypass valve back and forth several times. Then we will have hot water, but the next time we call for hot water it's "iffy", may have some or may have to go outside again. I'm assuming that this valve is bad unless someone knows a different reason. Also, if it is bad, do you know where I can get a new one? Thanks in advance for your help!!

[jimcol]

Only thing I can think of is the check valve on the output port of the water heater. They have been known to crud up and stop the flow completely. Maybe maneuvering the by pass valve it causes water to flow again for a while. If you can get to it, not too bad to change if you get a big enough cheater on the wrench or socket to break it loose.

[Eagleback]

This is probably not the issue but do you have a spray port in the convenience center and do you use it?. if you leave the hot and cold water on at the same time the water will become luke warm. Just a little thought as i had that problem once and thought it was my water heater.

[DQDick]

That leaves the question we really need to know. When you call for hot water do you get no water at all or do you get water and it's not hot?

[DemLin]

We get no water at all until I go to the panel and turn the "water bypass" valve on and off several times. Then we will have hot water for one or two calls, then nothing. Back to turning the valve again.

[rohrmann]

If no water from the water heater is the problem, then the check valve is the culprit. Hopefully you can reach the check valve without removing the water heater, but either way, it will be at the top of the back side of the tank. https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-P234...X16R42F3KKPSQQ