Removing & Replacing A Dometic (6-gal) Water Heater -- My RV Works

My RV Works, Inc., certified RV Technician, Darren Koepp is on-site to replace a customer's Atwood water heater. Watch as Darren does a 1:1 swap from a 6-gal Atwood to a 6-gal Dometic water heater. Learn a wiring strategy, how to change plumbing fittings, and other tips along the way.
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Topic: Broken RV Water Heater Replacement
System: Dometic Six-Gallon : WH-6GEA Water Heater
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Film Date: 11/9/2022
Location: Port Angeles, WA
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[@PatrickJeon-os5vg]

This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzbin.infoUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).

[@lindsaymphillips6702]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@dnngskn62]

Really well explained video. Great pinpoint instructions.

[@mrpeterpumpkin48]

This was extremely informative. You did an excellent job explaining the various details. I feel confident I can replace my heater. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@markbartlett1251]

I appreciate your detailed step by step instructions. I have benefitted greatly from your videos. I especially appreciated the video on 3 way refrigeration. Please keep up the good work.

[@somedayistodayrv]

Excellent video on this replacement process. Nothing that I could do, but it is informative for sure. Thanks and take care. Dave.

[@johndernberger1961]

I may have to do this swap in the very near future. Great video, Thank you

[@daviscrt]

Another Happy customer. Great video. Thanks Don

[@Tinkerbell227]

You are the tech, aren't you.

[@jena1307]

Thank you so much for this video! I just started living full-time in my 2003 RV and I have a suspicion I'll need to replace the water heater before too long. I feel pretty confident now I can manage it on my own!

[@marcbeaule]

Thanks for that! Really helpful!

[@cameronnguyen8722]

Very informative video. Thank you

[@jackbrown9182]

As always ...ty for sharing!

[@reddirtdesigns7021]

Thank you! Great job on the video. Easy to follow liked and subscribed.

[@jerryplante4239]

Timely video. Replacing mine this spring, but it's a Suburban to Suburban so no Dometic hijinks.

[@sunshynegirl7429]

So glad to watch this video. I’ll be replacing my 1993 water heater this summer. My current one works, but I’m hoping to go with a tankless option so I can extend my shower time. Do you have any suggestions on brand and BTU? Have you done any of this kind of upgrade? I’ll be in the PNW, Tacoma.

[@dodyhopper4394]

Good job I wished you had done this video about 4 months ago to the new style. It would have been nice if they had told me I needed a new door as well. I was lucky as our rv has a nautilus system which made the plumbing easier. You didn't mention a check valve. And also adding the receptacle as I checked with Dometic and if you cut the plug off it voids the warranty. But other wise good job as always.

[@donhatcher5017]

Thank you Thank you Thank you .

[@Tinkerbell227]

Is that just a coincidence that, that is the same model as the one I had blow up on Christmas? Or was it planned? 😄

[@GM-xb6hy]

Hey Darren, if you have time, I had a couple follow-up questions: 1) how did new door work out? Good fit? 2) how did modify gas line?(cautiously bend by hand? 3) I notice my rv water line seems thinner walled than standard pex tubing. I've had great results using pinch clamp tool on existing rv fittings. In your video you modified water lines with plastic fittings. Are they standard fittings normally used with pex tubing or different/designed for use with pinch clamps? 4) Lastly, did you consider tankless on demand models? Thanks again for your concise videos and taking the time to answer back. Greg

[@C3Voyage]

Could you have used a dishwasher flexible tubing for the hot and cold hook-up? One with metal re-inforced braid?

[@terrypringle6026]

enjoy your videos. Do you have one replacing the photo disc?

[@randys9541]

Thanks for the video! I somehow forgot to drain my water heater when I winterized and well, tile to replace it. Thankfully replacing the same Domestic so water lines should line up the same. Do you just use Teflon tape for the water lines? Just trying to make sure I have everything when I go to replace it. Might wait for a day that gets above freezing though. Thanks again.

[@kathyvv2719]

What was the door replacement that you used? I need a new water heater but the new heaters are all square and my opening is rectangular. You had said you would link it but I don’t see a link. Thank you for the great video.

[@ashr9936]

Greeting and Thanks, It was very Informative and Excellent !!!💯/💯😻😻✌👍🙏👋👋🌼🌺🌹🏵☮☮☯

[@starhopper457]

Ok Darren, great video - BUT can you please explain what the fittings are that you used in re-plumbing the new water heater? Are these shark-bites? I was expecting standard PexB fittings which these aren’t.

[@vfpaintjobs]

I didn't see where you wired the gas side back in . I pulled mine off and didn't take a pic where they went atwood on a 98 coachmen

[@papasbus3598]

Did you put a check valve in on this install? I am a tech in Florida, and I tend not to use them. What is your opinion? BTW thank you for your videos, I do not get a lot of furnace work here in South Florida and when I do, I brush up my knowledge with your videos.

[@mangekyou809]

Hello, I have a question "I installed one of this in my camper" is it necessary to connect gas or just the electricity cable?

[@jeanoverton4036]

If I'm replacing a Dometic with a Dometic, do all the plumbing connections stay the same or do I need to go buy ells,etc?

[@karindryan]

Question-do you know if I could find instructions on replacing water heater for 1993 Pace Arrow RV? Thanks!

[@garyferguson1552]

Can you get the Attwood Dometic replacement in a gas version only

[@ballen4363]

I have a question, please. My WH-6GEA has a lip around the edge but it's not perpendicular to provide a place to mount to the side of the RV. Does one need to bend the lip for installation? I'm not certain if I'm explaining this correctly or not. I didn't see anywhere in your video that showed the lip area to be bent in order to install. Also, I've got the new door kit for everything to fit, but, it's not very clear how it connected (the flanges) to the WH unit itself. I appreciate any input. Thank you.

[@CowichanSoulCreations]

Hello, I am installing a new water heater on my RV. My old one is 18 inch wide and the new one is 14.. I have the same problem with a gap like you, problem is I didn't buy mine new. Second hand and it doesn't come with the flange. Do you know where I could buy that?

[@kingjames8283]

Interesting that this video just happens to pop up when I'm considering replacing my Suburban 10-gal with a Suburban 12-gal water heater. I like long showers but unfortunately after a few minutes in shower, it constantly runs out of hot water. Only part I don't like on this larger 5th wheel RV's is no access point from within trailer so the entire job has to be performed from the outside which means I need to wait until a time the weather warms up. I've notice all the water lines in trailer are PEX so I'm hoping they left enough line to pull through to the outside opening.

[@hillbillyrv]

Dude you had WAY too much room to work behind this water heater. That ain't fair. Looks nice Darren.

[@MyRVWorks]

LOL I agree! When I saw this I knew I had to do a video because it's going to be a long time before I get this much room back there again!

[@hillbillyrv]

@@MyRVWorks Probably never have that much room again.

[@rwaynem]

Don't the side flanges hook over the water heater? It looks like you butted them against. I'm getting ready to do the same install.

[@GM-xb6hy]

Great video! Really like the precise clear step-by-step explanations as you went. My question is why did you switch from an Atwood to a Dometic? Thanks again.. Greg

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Greg, Dometic took over Atwood several years ago, and now manufacturer under that name.

[@GM-xb6hy]

@@MyRVWorks I see......thank you again!

[@A_Patriots_AR15]

Did your water inlets have a plastic cap inside of them?? Ive got a new 10 gallon Kingrver and I can't get the water lines to thread onto the inlets. I know I have the right fitting. It seems the plastic caps inside the inlets are in the way. I tried pulling them out but it seems they are part of it and don't come out easily. Nothing in the manual says anything about removing them. Just the thread protectors around the outside.

[@robertberkstresser4339]

Do you have the door kit part number with side panels ?

[@davidsmith7534]

Great video. Will be removing Dometic to have tank leak welded. 1. What is the name of the cleaner you mention for the exterior? 2. What do you call that electrical box? 3. Other than the butle tape what sealant (caulking) do you recommend?

[@MyRVWorks]

Here are some links on our Amazon affiliate store. You can get to our main store using this link: Check out this page from myrvworksinc www.amazon.com/shop/myrvworksinc?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsfshop_aipsfmyrvworksinc_0MC2E2RSRF0BN5P77HBK&language=en_US Down below I've got the specific ones you requested. #1) amzn.to/4cLdEAK #2) amzn.to/3xsj3wo #3) amzn.to/4aqPj1o

[@josephgaither365]

So I don't need to connect the blue orange white green wires? Just plug in the cord?

[@gildaashiebrown8929]

I was replacing my but, the water started coming out of the hole closed to the gas connection. What did I do wrong that caused that.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

So, what did you use that cleaned that dang goo off so nicely. Looks new... good job.

[@MyRVWorks]

I've been using this product for a few years now and been very pleased with it. amzn.to/47JRmeY

[@jamesdoty9318]

I recently found your channel and have been watching your videos. Very helpful, good videos. I have question about my furnace that I can't find an answer to. I'm in high hopes that you can help me out. When I turn my furnace on it works perfect. Blower comes on and in about 15 seconds the propane ignites. Warms my camper to the temp I have set. However, as that temp drops and the furnace tries to reignite...it won't. The blower comes on but the heat does not. Just blows cold air. I need to turn it off at the thermostat. Wait 60 seconds and turn it back on. Once turned back on it runs perfect again. But it will only run for one cycle. When it restarts to maintain the inside temperature it does not ignite. Can you PLEASE give me some idea of what this problem could be. It makes no sense to me at all. I live in my rv full time and really need this problem fixed. Thank you so much for your time and trouble.

[@MyRVWorks]

Typically that is an issue of a sail switch that is stuck open. There may be some lint or some kind of obstruction preventing that sail switch from being detected as closed. If you go to our furnace playlist you'll find other videos where we address this problem. kzbin.info/aero/PLk44vSl27TRCaZIQbm-0utYK7sVOKwXVY

[@MeganZopf]

I just did this and the new dometic water isn’t even warm. I don’t use the gas side…just electric and something must be wrong. The tank itself feels hot but coming out of the faucet is barely warm. Any ideas on what is wrong?

[@stephanegalipeau3740]

Hello Darren. Thank you for all your videos. I had a Atwood 6 gallon water heater and I have to replace it but I’m only able to get a suburban replacement. My dilemma is that the wires are different colours and I’m not sure what to do 😢. Can you help or have a plane for the different colour of wires. Thanks in advance

[@MyRVWorks]

The Atwood water heaters were bought by Dometic around 2014, so there should be a direct Dometic replacement for that same size opening. Having said that, the Dometic and the Suburban do get wired differently. If you look at our water heater playlist, I Do cover some of the wiring schematics in the respective videos.

[@stephanegalipeau3740]

@@MyRVWorks thank you for your time I’ll look for the video explaining the two differences in wiring

[@jimnarlock1957]

Howdy Darren, After watching this video I am contemplating replacing my 1999 Atwood/Dometic gas water heater with the combination gas/electric version. Question: how does the unit switch from gas to electric? Is it similar to the fridge? Thanks, Jim

[@ThomasRobinson-oo7ms]

You have to add a switch panel with one switch for gas and one for electric. The water heaters don't have an automatic switchover circuit.

[@jimnarlock1957]

@@ThomasRobinson-oo7ms Thanks

[@khurtubise1]

Anyone know if you can replace an Atwood water heater G6A3 with a GC6AA-7E. is there a way to upgrade to this?

[@louiscasterson9569]

My at wood gc6aa-9e had only three wires. Brown green and blue. The Dometic has the four wires. Orange white blue-green. I can't figure out what the hell is going on. What do I do?

[@travisgilley3603]

I didn’t find the link for the new door. ??? Did I miss it??

[@chasetrahan8694]

Also looking did you find it?

[@glennjames9152]

HELP!!! My old 10 gallon Atwood failed and I'm in process of installing the replacement. GC10A-3E to a WH-10GEA. The old one had the wires on back that were connected to 14-3 then it only has brown/green/blue wires coming off. The new Dometic has white/orange/green/blue wires and a 3-prong plug. The RV has a switch for turning on the electric and then there is a switch to turn on gas with a fault light above it. I'm lost on the 4 wires coming off the new one as they don't match the old wiring.

[@MyRVWorks]

Little over a month ago we swapped out a water heater that had the same scenario you're experiencing. I do remember completely removing the orange wire and the relay that it was controlling because the signals I was getting from the RV did not need to go through the relay inside that junction box on the water heater. I was able to figure all this out by just following the wires on the new water heater and seeing where they went and verifying the signals I was getting from the coach using my meter. Your green, blue, and brown should all be the same, so that's a win. It's just that orange and white. I believe they did that so a 12 volt switches inside the coach could control the 120 volt Heating element using that 12 volt relay in that junction box. So, just follow the wires on that new water heater, and verify the 12v signal using your meter, and you should be able to get this all sorted out.

[@ernestlooker4015]

How's the easiest way to change water tanks on a 92 bounder

[@ernestlooker4015]

Sorry water heater tank

[@gustavocamacho1994]

What size where those water lines

[@MyRVWorks]

1/2" PEX

[@LucyCuevas-dt1ho]

What is the black box??????

[@MyRVWorks]

I'm guessing your referencing the Black Box on the back of the water heater? If that's the case, that is where the relay for the heating element is located. I believe around the 6:20 mark we talk about it.

[@cryptidandparanormalkingdo347]

Whats the steps to take it apart? Where was that in the video? That the readon i came to this video to see how to remove the water heater INCLUDING taking the screws on the outside wall of the RV and taking the heater out completely and you skipped that. Thats like the most important part lol you should consider editing this video and ADDING how to actually take out the screws and removing the heater.

[@Flippin_Crazy]

Why not replace with hot water on demand?

[@jr.6199]

If you do that you'll need a visible bypass installed at the shower so that when waiting for hot water to reach the bath, cold wont fill up your gray tank. Its not just at the start of a shower. Research this, not a good idea without a bypass.

[@talus33]

Did you just assume those fittings gender?

[@ThePeopleVerse]

HEY !! They/Them were gender fluid.... LOL HAHaHahahaha ....😂 Fluid, get it? .... hah, fluid...😂

[@MilesMontgomery-pj4xc]

Yes, fitting have gender. Just don't try to mate with them.

[@stimulatemyexistence5669]

Im offended!

[@stimulatemyexistence5669]

I told my rv tech to not misgender my hose connections... he slapped the shit outta me.

[@richardjeun]

Excellent video…but I couldn’t care less about the weather and your cat. I don’t want to be rude, but hey, if I upset you, then maybe next time I make an informative video, maybe I should share how long my arm pit hair can get and spend some quality time to explain in details of it. No, but great video. Not a lot of people explain what to do about the electrical side.

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the comment, you are one voice in a sea I've almost 24,000 others. I can't hear your critique over the large chorus of others. I'll do me, you do you.

[@richardjeun]

@@MyRVWorks you said you’ll do you.