Electric water heater not heating

[fiddleddd]

Our electric water heater is not working. The propane water heater IS working. On electric, the water isn't even lukewarm....it's totally cold. So this couldn't be a thermostat problem, could it? Any suggestions as to what we need to do to get hot water via electric? We had the heating element replaced about 1 year ago, and we were also using it last time we took out the rig, and it was fine. My husband checked all of the connections, and they seem fine. Thanks if you can help!

[ET156]

Push the 2 reset buttons on the heater. If that doesn't work check the wires behind the cover to see if they are damaged if not your check you electric side ( left side therm. to see if you have 120v. and check to see if you have polarity thru. the heating element.

[fiddleddd]

ET156...thanks! We've checked the reset button. Will check the other things as soon as we can get a polarity tester.

[travelin' texans]

Take the black cover off of the reset buttons, the wire may be pinched against the tank & cover shorting out it out. Be sure all power is disconnected before doing this.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by fiddleddd

Our electric water heater is not working. The propane water heater IS working. On electric, the water isn't even lukewarm....it's totally cold. So this couldn't be a thermostat problem, could it? Any suggestions as to what we need to do to get hot water via electric? We had the heating element replaced about 1 year ago, and we were also using it last time we took out the rig, and it was fine. My husband checked all of the connections, and they seem fine. Thanks if you can help!

I just had a similar problem with the water heater. The heating element checked okay. I had to do some trouble shooting and found there was erratic supply of 120 vac to the heating element. Finally checked the switch on the water heater and found it had high resistance which meant the contacts had over heated which was also evidenced by the fact that the quick connect terminals were also showing evidence of being overheated.

Took the switch out and the contacts were high resistance. Replaced the switch and also replaced the quick connect terminals. The water heater now works great on electric and LP.

Guy

[Ford truck guy]

I had a very similar problem.. turns out the water heater was NOT plugged in.

I was dumfounded to say the least. Could not understand WHY the manufacturer ( Suburban ) would make a water heater with a 110 plug on the back?? unless they are all like that??

Anyway, Once I removed the basement wall, I saw the plug was only in the outlet about 1/2 way.. pulled it out, checked the outlet and and Plugged it in ( all the way this time ) and we have been good ever since..

I HOPE your issue is that easy to resolve

[fiddleddd]

Well, you'll never guess what happened! My husband went out to try a couple of the 'fixes' you all suggested. It turns out the 2 guys next to us assisted us. They were retired HVAC and plumbing contractors.....how lucky was that!!! One of them had a voltmeter and it showed the heating element was bad. So we went to Camping World and got a new element and anode rod. One of the guys even flushed the tank for us. So we're good to go! Thank you all for your help!

[NW Snowbirds]

On my 2012 electric switch on the water heater must be turned on as well as the electric switch inside the unit in the control panel. Check to see that both of your switches are on.

[travelin' texans]

Originally Posted by fiddleddd

Well, you'll never guess what happened! My husband went out to try a couple of the 'fixes' you all suggested. It turns out the 2 guys next to us assisted us. They were retired HVAC and plumbing contractors.....how lucky was that!!! One of them had a voltmeter and it showed the heating element was bad. So we went to Camping World and got a new element and anode rod. One of the guys even flushed the tank for us. So we're good to go! Thank you all for your help!

That's one thing we found in 10+ years of full-time was that fellow rvers are typically very helpful.
Glad you're back up & running, you could probably use a hot shower!!

[Ford truck guy]

Originally Posted by fiddleddd

Well, you'll never guess what happened! My husband went out to try a couple of the 'fixes' you all suggested. It turns out the 2 guys next to us assisted us. They were retired HVAC and plumbing contractors.....how lucky was that!!! One of them had a voltmeter and it showed the heating element was bad. So we went to Camping World and got a new element and anode rod. One of the guys even flushed the tank for us. So we're good to go! Thank you all for your help!

Glad it was a somewhat easy fix ! Aren't fellow campers great ! ! !

[Gunnerbob59]

I also have a 2020 3991RD and the electric did not work for hot water, only propane worked. Found out that the hot water heater was NOT plugged into the 110V outlet. Plugged it in, and problem solved. Exactly as Ford Truck Guy mentioned for his solution.