Water Heater--Noise? - Montana Owners Club

barmar · 03-04-2013, 05:21 AM

Just noticed that our water heater is making a strange/different noise--haven't heard it before! Only makes the noise when on electric and it's a low, hissing noise almost like water running but no evidence of any leaks. Can hear it inside the rig/kitchen area and certainly at the water heater outside. Any ideas? Should I turn the electric off and just use propane until I find out what's going on? Thanks, B

barmar · 03-04-2013, 05:38 AM

Edit to my previous post. Once the water gets up to temp, the noise stops so it's only 'noisey' when on the heating cycle.

bncinwv · 03-04-2013, 05:53 AM

Check the anode rod at the bottom of the heater tank to see if it has degraded substantially. There have been reports of a hissing noise that can be the result of a worn out anode rod. That would be my first step, anyway.
Bingo

racerjoe · 03-04-2013, 08:23 AM

I think when the heating element starts to get coated from hard water it will start to do that. As Bingo says the anode rod is important on these and if you are full timing or a heavy user the rod will need to be looked at yearly. The noise will not hurt anything just the element working

**DQDick** · 03-04-2013, 08:48 AM

Actually hard water beginning to coat the heating element will begin to degrade it's efficiency. The same is true at a S&B but usually the water heater in an S&B is placed away from the living area and so people don't notice the noise. We use a water softener with our rig specifically for that reason and also to keep from getting build up in the lines and faucets.

snfexpress · 03-04-2013, 09:06 AM

As an added precaution, removing the junk from the anode rod and cleaning the tank of the same stuff (our scale is yellow in color), will help to keep and particles from clogging the hot water outlet check valve.

barmar · 03-07-2013, 04:16 PM

Thanks to all who replied. Today, the water heater just quit--the electric element is not working. I checked the switch, circuit breaker etc and all were 'on' but when I tried to cycle the switch on the water heater it was very difficult to turn off--I pressed it hard and it moved but it now appears to be 'floating' and not making contact. Not sure but think the switch may have 'fried' for some reason so may have to contact a RV Service rep to check things out--not comfortable doing my own troubleshooting as problem may be more complex than a failed switch. Works ok on propane so still have hot water, thankfully.

racerjoe · 03-08-2013, 01:36 AM

that switch just pops out of the hole that it is in. there are two wires plugged into it. thats all. just shut off the power first. The switch is junk to say it mildly. any switch will work just check the amp rating on both switches if you can't find the one to fit.New one is about 8.00 dollars,

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