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Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 4:52 pm
by Olive600
Getting Betsy ready to hit the road tomorrow and found that the pilot light is out on the hot water heater. I can't find an owner's manual in my kit, so I figured I ask the road sistahs.
I'll post pictures as soon as I can. I hoped they'd be up by now, but I'm behind schedule as usual. Not everything is done and I'd rather have it all done before I post pics.

So, how do I light the pilot? I haven't researched yet. Will do that now.

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 6:00 pm
by Bethers
If you have the gas on, you should have a button inside the rig to turn on the gas water heater. That is what turns on the pilot light to the water heater and ignites the water heater. A light should light when it connects, saying pilot on - might not say it - and might not have that light - my rig does :) If you're turning the switch and it's not lighting, try first lighting a burner on the stove (to get gas running through the lines) then try to start the water heater again. Try a couple times, if it doesn't work, then you'll need to check further.

If you've tried that and it's not lighting - then there are several videos on youtube about water heater maintenance - here's a link to one and on the right side of the page will have many others. I didn't know whether you have an Atwood or Suburban - so don't know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWzs_v1PvtY

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 6:16 pm
by rvgrammy1953
Do you have an inside water heater switch or do you have to light the pilot light at the water heater?

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 7:37 pm
by Olive600
Thanks everyone. I have a switch and "Pilot Light Off" indicator on the panel with all the tank level indicators. The gas and electric are working. The water heater clicks but does not ignite. I tried cycling it a couple of times (turning the switch on and off after waiting a few minutes). No go. Nothing. Nada. So I will get it to the shop. It's a Suburban. I watched some videos on youtube, but they didn't tell me what I need to know. I'll try some others...maybe.

I'm going tomorrow. Will meet Karen in Kerrville and then off to Llano State Park. There will be pics and a trip report.

Thanks for all your support.

Nikki

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 8:57 pm
by avalen
maybe theres a propane shut off valve behind the panel.

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 9:13 pm
by Olive600
Checked the propane shut off valve. It's on.

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 9:40 pm
by BirdbyBird
It won't be enough for a shower, but I have traveled many a mile without using my water heater. You can heat up water in the microwave for washing dishes or a sink "bath" Have fun. Don't sweat the little stuff!

Re: Water Heater Pilot Light

PostPosted: Mon Oct 14, 2013 6:15 am
by JoanE
My rig has both electric and propane systems for heating water but I didn't know that on my shakedown trip. Didn't use either one at first, just heated water like Tina mentioned and used the cg shower.