Suburban Water Heater Problem

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SSOWDERS

New member
Joined
Jan 22, 2013
Posts
4
Hello!

Hoping someone will be able to help me out.  I purchased a used travel trailer last year. Checked everything out and all seemed to be ok. However, being a new camper owner I was a bit too trusting.

Here is the issue:

The previous owner did say that he did some work on the water heater. The extent was not disclosed and it heated water when I went to look at the camper. I discovered the issue when we took it out for the first time. The heater just keeps on heating the water until it is extremely hot. Then, it pours out of the relief valve. After doing some digging around, it seems that the previous owner ran new wires directly from the electric on off switch inside the camper to the heating element on the water heater. The gas option does not work as some parts are missing for that. He did tell me that much. I just figured electric would be good enough.

So, how would you suggest that I fix this problem? Don't want to run out and purchase a new unit. I would rather fix this one if it can be done safely. I assume he bypassed the thermostat when he did this. Whether it was on purpose, I don't know.

It is a Suburban SW6DE direct vent gas/ electric water heater.

Suggestions and assistance ae greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Shane
 
The way mine is wired now has both black and white wires going from switch directly to the heating element. In the diagram it shows the black wire going from the switch to the thermostat and then to the element which makes sense. The white goes directly from the switch to the heating element. I am guessing that the thermostat went bad in the unit and it was bypassed. So, I shoud order a new thermostat and wire correctly to solve the problem. At least I hope that would work out.

The manual link did help! Thanks!!

Any comments on this process would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to mess anything up. I'm assuming there is only one connection to the thermostat in line?? There are two reset buttons there - one for gas and one for electric I assume.

Thanks again!

Shane
 
I would either replace the T-stat or test it, depending on you skills. Not having it wired correctly is not very safe. Replacing the T-stat is pretty easy and they are not expensive. Wire it as per the manual and you should be all set.

Steve
 
Going to order the thermostat and give it a shot. Will let everyone know hot it turns out.

Thanks!

Shane
 
makes you wonder what else you might find . if you have a volt meter, check for continuity on the thermostat. it is like a switch, if power wont go through the thermostat it is no good, but a new one and rewire it properly. they are not that expensive. propane is another story.
 
I'm just going to fix the electric portion of the water heater (hopefully). Thanks for the input everyone. When I get the part and some time I will switch it out.

Then, on to the next issue!

Magnatek converter not charging house battery......

One thing at a time though.

Thanks again!

Shane
 
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