Older Atwood RV Water Heater Gets An Overhaul

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Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, walks you through the steps to bring new life to an older Atwood RV water heater that is no longer heating very well on propane and doesn't work at all on electric.
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today!

[@reedScheminske]

I love how you can pack so much information on everything you need to know about a particular subject in one video! You have a perfect approach to teaching. quickly and efficiently. So far, you have show me how to replace the motor in my air conditioner, my RV Power converter, the circuit power board for my refrigerator, and now you have show me how to repair my water heater! THANKS SO MUCH! You are awesome Darren keep it up !!!

[@rebeccaconaway4533]

Just found this. My motorhome has this same one and it's been drip leaking for months. Today I was finally able to cap off the hoses because the Just Answer rv tech gave me so much information and tips on what to do. This video has even more because today I took a pic of mine and it's identical so now I might see if I can fix the leak or replace the whole shebang with a new tankless. One problem I have is the previous owners back to 30 years ago have disconnected just about every sensor related wire and naturally being that it's so old, no one has a clue where to start. I just need to get hot water without all the bells and whistle and leaks. This post is going to matter very much after I learn from it. Thank you for posting it even though its 5 years old it's a bonus to me.

[@lisakukla459]

Wow. This is just excellent. I'm so grateful to have found this! It's perfect. Absolutely top notch. I now feel confident that I can repair my water heater myself. Thank you so much for this awesome, thorough tutorial. Without a doubt, you've saved a lot of people a lot of money and improved a lot of showers.

[@ragtop5750]

Exactly what I needed thanks you so much!! Most videos are for newer rigs... We love our older 2001... Simple wife, simple life. Being updated with this type of video I give 5+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🙏

[@stevemacedo771]

Just found this and is perfect timing. Going to replace most of these things to just give it an update to a 26 year old water heater. Thanks again

[@d.m.soucie552]

wow you know I'm having a problem with my my water heater and I saw the video and tell you what this guy is on top of his game he knows what he's talking about you know the proper terminology he knows and he answered all the questions I needed answered good job buddy

[@burtburt1755]

You are by far the best in your field. You answered all my questions about my water heater in one video. Thank you for all your time and efforts.

[@xFR34KEEx]

Clear and concise as all these videos should be! Very educational.

[@Buzzcut2239]

These videos are loaded with extremely valuable information and every step of the process is fully explained. Thank you for taking your time while producing really good, informative videos!

[@mattmcguire8633]

Thank you. someone tried to add an adjustable thermostat to my unit and it's been quite a journey till now

[@-ultravic661]

It's people like you that keep me glued to KZbin.THANKS!

[@donnabellaropson]

I have an older Atwood RV water heater. This is the best explaination/service demo I have found after searching for days...Excellent!!!!

[@guoqingwang4251]

The best one have ever watched on water heater

[@linalea7646]

This is hands down the best Atwood hot water tank video ever made!

[@ttaylor97219]

Thank you so much for your beautiful, clear teaching!! Really a gift! I am confident by following your instructions I can update my water heater as well!!

[@davidsweeney8472]

GAS Valve not opening. After buying a new Elec module didn't solve the problem, next taking off the gas valve bringing it home testing the solenoid, good. the fuse checks out. Not knowing how the thermostat was mounted believing it was inside. a big relief knowing how to take them out, hope that this will fix it. Also didn't know about backflushing. Thanks for making a very good, I mean excellent video. You are the Man. I will let you know if that fixes it, Back over to the RV now.. THANKS Dave

[@opsdaddy]

Terrific video! Thorough, clear, and so so informative. I like that you not only show what you're doing, but also explain why you're doing it. Thanks so much, Darren! I feel ready to tackle the Atwood water heater on our 2007 Mallard trailer! Cheers!

[@clevelandmatheson983]

As a semi retired handyman,your videos are very helpful for a DIY project,keep up the great work,thanks from Cape Cod.

[@johnford6846]

I am learning so much from your videos. I rewatch them several times.

[@LightZone9]

Thanks for the video. It helped me fix my hot water heater without spending a dime. The 1/8" gap on my spark sender was more like 1/4". I carefully reduced the gap and re centered the disc at the end of the tube. The unit is starting up right away and the sputtering I was having for the past few days is gone. Burning evenly and quietly. Thanks again!

[@vap0rtranz]

BEST video I've found for troubleshooting our old Coachman's water heater.

[@stephanericard5004]

Wow I had problems with my Atwood water heater I got say your explanation on your video are very good didn't have the option change the igniter module out and the 2 thermostat also and the safety in case of propane problem turn switch on work like a charm now just have change electrical side I now the elements is burnt out thanks Steph

[@peterdanniels2310]

Peter Danniels, eh Excellent! Without wasting a moment of our time, you've taught us how to overhaul an Atwood water heater. I appreciate you making a separate video for work on a Suburban W.H. Prior to finding yours, I watched one that tried to address both brands in one video...confusing.

[@pamelajackson6937]

Amazing valuable information!! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!!👍🏾👍🏾

[@grumpyg9350]

1/8” gap, and cleaning the ground, did the trick.👍👍👏🏻👏🏻

[@jillstansell7241]

Thank you so much!! I am trying to fix my Atwood. It is an older model too.

[@doncleveland194]

Thank you Darren. Excellent Description on how to replace just about everything on this water heater. it really helped me out. Cheers

[@johncoyne7004]

I wish I could hired people as competent as you. Great video. Thanks Jack&Molly

[@jamesroth4919]

Solid gold

[@mgervais10]

Thanks great help. Only problem it’s 12:08 am now I want to go work on hot water heater. Wife gave me the look. Bed for me

[@mrkrause3]

Really great…thanks again!

[@cherimitchell8977]

This was excellent for a beginner like me.

[@allenmcnamee5045]

This was great for everyday information. I never knew the logic of how my water heater worked.

[@chuckprahl170]

Awesome stuff! Your videos break down every step you need to make concisely and in detail. One of my favorite channels for sure!

[@dusterz10]

I like your videos, Ive learned so much already just from the 2 or 3 I've watched. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[@IanoftheRVin]

I have to concur with all the other comments here. What a great video. Clear, to the point and chock full of information. Going to go check out your other content. Well done!!!

[@RVWeekendsRC1]

Great video!

[@paulwhite888]

What a great video. Please keep these coming. Excellent!

[@davidhill1944]

Excellent video. I liked the step by step trouble shooting tips and clear explanations.

[@lauravictorious4670]

I bought a '94 Fleetwood Southwind and am having to learn everything about RV's. My water heater red light goes on and says "w.h. pilot." There is NO maintenance manual so I'm thankful to have finally found your videos. I know that the rig was winterized and I bought it just a few weeks ago. I only recently got water and electric hook-ups but have had no idea how to get the water heater to work. Looks like I need to check on some things first. No sure how well I'll do but at least I have way more information than I did a day ago. This still might be above my skill level but I'll see how it goes. It's tiresome heating up water on the stove for washing dishes and bathing.

[@lorijackson1850]

Amazing detail. Thank you for doing this video. Video is Applicable to many models. Can’t wait to adjust my “jet engine”!

[@tinkerbell2675]

Thank you for being so thorough. Great video. Thank you for the share. I have to learn how to do this cuz my land lord cant get anyone who know what there doing. lol

[@DJSAS2003]

Awesome! Now I know it is normal for water heater to cycle on a few times before igniter heats up without shutting off right away.

[@marysacks5482]

Great training video! Thank you so much!

[@redtickcpa7]

Great job of explaining each component and how it works

[@TexCynRVLife]

This really explains things. What a good video! Thank you soooooo much!!! Now I can repair my water heater properly. It's been broken for months. Cold showers are not fun 👍😊❄🚿❄🌡

[@TexCynRVLife]

Ps. New sub here!

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for watching. I certainly hope this helps you. Everyone loves a hot shower. Happy camping.

[@64maxpower]

thank you thank you! you call it what it is. A water heater!. 999 out of 1000 people call it a hot water heater and I wish it didnt urk me. And excellent video. I just watched a video where they told me to turn my switch on and check my fuse and propane level. If it still didnt light that we should call someone. I appreciate your thoroughness and filming with one hand while working

[@FabianCharrua]

Awesome video thanks!!

[@marymcclaflin2594]

Perfect instruction. Thank you so much. Blessings upon you.

[@hatteraslabuf]

Thank you Darren. . . excellent tutorial !

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Robb, Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comment! Happy Camping! Cheers, Darren Koepp

[@sharonsmith7630]

Best water heater video I've seen.

[@jeffs7139]

Wow....great explanation of how everything works !! You have a new subscriber ~ Thanks

[@dbarnes7048]

Best to the point video I've seen thankyou for not wasting time giving a personal back story to everything

[@MyRVWorks]

I do my best to be personable but also not waste viewers time. Glad you found my video helpful.

[@jcspaziano]

What a great and well explained video! I feel like I have a much better understanding of my RV water heater!

[@a_aronhdtech]

You deserve a home made pie from that family. Great video. I have the exact WH. I'll be trying and testing all this stuff.

[@garylewis8863]

This was awesome. Thanks - you gave me the confidence to work on mine :)

[@rodricksmith3879]

Thanks

[@markmagnone2220]

The white deposits are aluminum oxide formed from galvanic corrosion inside the tank. Suspended iron or other minerals in the water supply cause the problem. Aluminum will not "rust", but will corrode if there is too much iron in the water.

[@frankshiffer588]

Perfect video for my unit! My 120v side on a GCH10A-3E doesn't work. The manual shows a relay which in your film and on my RV doesn't exist. I've seen one of ECO connectors seems fried. It's in a Class A with hardly any access from the rear due to being jammed up against the Freightliner chassis. I might change both the Thermostat and ECO limiter on the back once I get them out and I should be good after checking the element. My front side 12V foam nameplate on that thermostat side is destroyed. I need to buy one of those as well.

[@levisl9640]

Thank you for your excellent RV water heater repair video.

[@MagicNomadic]

Best explanation yet, THANK YOU!!!

[@bah5310]

Fantastic video. I've got the parts on order. Didn't know about the ⅛" or how to adjust the flame. Thank you very much. Mine is a 6 gallon propane only model.

[@gosselinsergegs]

Thanks for all the info

[@ratherbecamping9735]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent video, great camera angles, could clearly understand you and your descriptions were great, best I've seen!!! New subscriber! Now I need to search to see if you have a video that explains why my older Atwood without all the electronics on the outside will not hold a pilot flame when I let go of the knob.

[@MyRVWorks]

Thank you very much for the kind comment. Now, regarding your Atwood with the manual pilot. On my website resources tab, filter for your water heater, you should find a very detailed manual that explains how to test the thermistor, the magnet, coil, generator Etc to help fix your issue. I do have on my list of videos to make one specifically for the manual pilot water heaters. I'll probably be doing that one in the shop where I can have better control of the environment. I worked on one the other day but I had kids screaming and yelling all around me which would have made a terrible video LOL.

[@michelewhitaker3913]

First I want to say. Thank you. Your videos are wonderful. You have already helped me so much. I bought a used RV in an emergency situation. I escaped from a decade of domestic abuse. I'm filled with gratitude for the safety and peace for me and my pets. I got a 2001 Hornet. She looks OK but is a mess under her skirts. I'm a tool chic so I'm confident at repairs. My water heater is what is perplexing. Im trying to do maintenance. A back flush. I have an atwood G6A7. There is not a drain plug. The spot where it should be has the electrical recepticle and plug that is how I turn it on and off. This whole rig is incredibly Jerry rigged. I was hoping you could share your thoughts about this issue. The weird plug and cord needs replaced also. I wish I could show you a picture. Thanks for you time and help. I respect your knowledge and ability to teach. God bless

[@MyRVWorks]

That plug thing is called a "hot-rod". It allows you to heat your water on electric for water heaters that we're not manufactured with a heating element. It is an aftermarket add-on. You can safely unscrew that to drain and backflush your water heater.

[@michelewhitaker3913]

@@MyRVWorks Thank you so much. Your like a RV Godfather. I appreciate your help. Keep up the fantastic work honey! God bless! 😁🥰😘

[@bobdoyle6670]

Nice work on the videos. They are very helpful. Thanks for making them.

[@MsTHORNANATOR]

Thank you for a very informative and concise video. To the point without opinions that are useless in most cases.

[@williamfigueroa9838]

Good video & good explanation. 👍💯

[@kf4gis]

Very Good sir thanks so much, not only did you explain how to repair you explained how it works!!!! Very helpful thanks again and God Bless!!

[@mikelevesque5224]

New Subscriber! I'm gonna have to watch this video a few more times to absorb the incredible amount of info you provided. Thank you so much for being thorough in your explanation... much appreciated.

[@kdro420]

Wow this video is very helpful. More than any other. I feel totally comfortable about diagnosing my friends water heater! Thank you!

[@ctuna2]

Dude, you rock! Thanks so much for your videos!

[@Command37]

Very clear, precise and detailed info here. Excellent. Thank you sir.

[@tommyjones257]

Been there done that 2002 mewmar!

[@ricklarson9524]

Very Good job.

[@cherimitchell7973]

There is something I just experienced with mine. Mine would go out for an unknown reason. Almost like the propane shut off to it. I would flip the water heater switch inside the RV and it would click but wouldn’t light. After 3 tries I waited and tried again. I was in the RV and heard an explosion on the outside of the water heater. It blew the cover door off of the water heater. It apparently had a gas buildup and when it clicked to start it had too much gas and there was an explosion. It seemed to fix itself and stayed on after that. I assume that the orifice had stopped up and wasn’t letting gas hit the igniter and the explosion blew the orifice open. It has worked fine since although I worry about it happening again. I wish you were nearer to me in Chehalis so you could check it out!

[@peggypatterson3993]

I wish I could give you 100 thumbs up. So much valuable information here! Thanks so much.

[@billkuhn9905]

This is very helpful. I am new to this and every bit of knowledge helps.

[@chris.s.9992]

GREAT video best water heater vid on the net. thank you. you really helped me out.

[@steverich_photography]

Darren, New subscriber! Excellent video!! I learned so much! Thank you very much.

[@neilbrewin7457]

Excellent thank you

[@porjotrucker62]

Love this,you are so much help...hats off, were happy camper....

[@jaygill3245]

Great video

[@patriciaherrera4150]

Thank you learned alot

[@donweber8007]

Thanks!

[@PeterBerkmanProfile]

great video! it would be awesome if sometime you would do one that showed fully replacing the electrical element... thank you!

[@mrsjp10910]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. We have had our rv for almost a year but no one around here is taking on campers that are not sold by their business. So we have not had hot water the whole time. I can’t wait to see if I can fix it now.

[@lauravictorious4670]

I know you posted this a year ago but I'm wondering if you were able to fix your water heater.

[@jeffmeija]

thank you

[@alpinehs]

Great video. Now I know why the propane run out so quick. To much oxigen in the burner. 🔥🔥🔥

[@iscaballero2471]

What an excellent video... Thank You So Much

[@georgefenrich4119]

COOK, I am SO going to go work on mine now! ! ! Wish me luck! :)

[@MyRVWorks]

You can do it!

[@charlesrose7212]

Excellent! 😀

[@Smapdi60]

This is a very well done DIY! Thanks

[@MyRVWorks]

Glad our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@archiehendricks6093]

After I got rid of rv, new one

[@freetolook3727]

With all those repairs and the state of the tank, I would have sold a new water heater to the customer. It won't be long before it leaks.

[@jodiepowell9067]

I need to know about my fridge and how to make it work properly

[@irishman3375]

Very informative, should me a lot. Thanks

[@steveforliberty7801]

Great Video! Learned a lot.

[@lawrencecavens5760]

Another great way to flush that type of tank is to flush from the top where the relief valve came out of

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

Is that where vinegar is added when that's also being used to flush? It never dawned on me to try and add it there. Obviously, can't add it from the bottom plug.