Visit our Popular Forums

barrettjl · 06-30-2014, 10:25 AM

Hi All,

Just got our 2012 out of storage, and while sanitizing the fresh water system, I noticed that there is very little pressure on the hot side of the faucet.

When the faucet is full-on cold, the pump revs up and there is decent pressure. When it is full-on hot, the pump runs, but it revving very low. This is most noticable at the kitchen faucet, but happens on all of them.

When hooked to city water, there was a difference between full-on hot and cold, but it was not as pronounced.

My guess is there is some blockage in the hot water line someplace.

Any suggestions on diagnosing and fixing myself? Or do I need to take it in?

We are using it this weekend (don't need the pump) and then again in 2 weeks (definitely DO need the pump).

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

idroba · 06-30-2014, 10:41 AM

From what I understand, the new water heaters that AS install have some kind of a temperature limiting valve located near the top outlet of the heater. I know there is an unfamiliar device there on my 2014 I have never seen before on my older trailers.

The limited information I have read about it is that it clogs up and is to be removed for cleaning fairly frequently, but the posts on the subject seem to say that it is very difficult to remove and clean or service. One of those "do this service, but we didn't give you space or an easy way to do it" jobs.

Now, I may be all wet (so to speak) on this and can't refer you to the threads which mentioned the problem, but your limited flow on the hot water side only issue seems to fit the things I have seen in some other posts. I am not looking forward to the problem solution when my 2014 comes up with it.

lewster · 06-30-2014, 11:09 AM

See if you have an Atwood 'XT' model water heater. PM me if you do.

Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

jimbo1087 · 10-24-2014, 09:17 PM

barrettjl;

Were you able to fix the water pressure problem. I have a 2012 Flying Cloud (30ft) and I having the same issue. Any advice would be helpful. Was it the mixing valve? Thanks Jimbo1087

barrettjl · 10-25-2014, 06:44 AM

Yes, it was fixed. The problem was indeed the mixing valve on our Atwood XT water heater. The part was about $200 and labor was about $200. It took a couple of days because they had to order the part. The Airstream service department said there was no way to clean it once it was blocked; it had to be replaced.

As to prevention, the owner's manual does say to flush out the water heater when it is drained. There were some instructions that on how to do that but it didn't seem like they would work very well. The Airestream Dealer recommended a Water Heater Tank Rinser which we got, but I have not tried yet.

jimbo1087 · 10-25-2014, 06:54 AM

barrettji;

Thanks for the information. It sounds like I'll be replacing the valve.

dkottum · 10-25-2014, 08:18 AM

You might consider getting a portable RV water softener to take out some of the minerals in the water before it comes into your plumbing system. We use a small one and it works well, she loves it for showering especially. Also use it when filling the fresh water tank.

J. Morgan · 10-25-2014, 08:25 AM

If it were me I would have eliminated the valve entirely and then tried very hard not to scald myself.

I think when we are expected to be stupid or careless at every instance, we generally oblige.

I am near 50 years old and I have never yet injured myself with a hot water system sans a system to protect me.

TG Twinkie · 10-25-2014, 08:57 AM

I agree. Get rid of the mixer.

Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

idroba · 10-25-2014, 11:04 AM

If it is not repairable once plugged, mine will be going too when/if this problem hits me. The access is very difficult and the cost of the part ($200... wow) is nutsy. It seems to me that I read something about taking it out to clean it once a year, but that is not going to happen for me, or 98% of the users of this water heater. To remove it for cleaning I would have to disassemble the dinette seat, cut the PEX pipes and re crimp new pipe in place, and stuff like that. Simply is not going to be done, especially on an annual basis.

lewster · 10-25-2014, 12:01 PM

IIRC, an annual cleaning is required with vinegar. It's almost 100% ignored!! You can find the small print in the Atwood owner manual.

Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

AtomicNo13 · 10-25-2014, 01:05 PM

X2 on the softener! Keeps everything clean and your hair nice and soft!

jimbo1087 · 10-25-2014, 02:23 PM

Didn't realize that removing the valve would be a option. In my FC the valve is in the seat well for the dinette and I have easy access to it. I'll be making the repairs. Additionally, I'll be cleaning the tank every six months. Feeling a little embrassed about not thinking about it before now. THANKS to everyone for your suggestions and recommendation.

lewster · 10-25-2014, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo1087

Didn't realize that removing the valve would be a option. In my FC the valve is in the seat well for the dinette and I have easy access to it. I'll be making the repairs. Additionally, I'll be cleaning the tank every six months. Feeling a little embrassed about not thinking about it before now. THANKS to everyone for your suggestions and recommendation.

Just be VERY SURE that you realize that your water will be heated to 170ºF to 180ºF and not the normal 130ºF of 'normal' water heaters. You guys can certainly remove the tempering valve if you like but I CAN NOT! I won't even recommend it! Imagine the liability suit I could be hit with if I did that to a customer's water heater and they forgot that the water was now super heated.....even if it was only temporary............NO THANKS!

AtomicNo13 · 10-25-2014, 04:48 PM

I was waiting for that statement!
People don't realize just how hot these water heaters get!
180 is just hot enough to poach a child's skin right off their hand!
I would suggest never defeating a built in safety design, even if it means $200, just not worth it!

Just my opinion!

jimbo1087 · 10-25-2014, 06:32 PM

I really appreciate your comments and you have raised some important considerations. On the fence as what to do. Without the valve does it affect the amount of hot water being used?

AtomicNo13 · 10-25-2014, 07:15 PM

Depends on how much you use....
From then on its not mixed, it's simply straight hot out of the tank, not tempered with cold.

dkottum · 10-25-2014, 08:02 PM

In your late model FC you have a combination propane/electric water heater capable of heating the water very hot and will be right there at your hot water faucets soon after you turn them on. Sounds dangerous to me.

J. Morgan · 10-25-2014, 08:37 PM

I have my heater at home cranked up pretty high, well over 130, but fact is, my shower head at home and in my Airstream is protected with a mixing valve of its own.

I don't know one way or the other, but I suspect that newer Airstreams have one of these shower valves also.

This imho will make it safe enough.

These mixing valves in my home shower have lasted for years and years without plugging...

Perhaps if a person wants to keep the mixing valve it might be possible to relocate it to a more serviceable position.

daveswenson · 10-26-2014, 07:07 PM

[QUOTE=lewster;1529962]IIRC, an annual cleaning is required with vinegar. It's almost 100% ignored!! You can find the small print in the Atwood owner manual.

Lew,
I went through the Atwood XT owners manual, and the only mention of vinegar cleaning was to get rid of Hydrogen Sulfide smell. Is there another place I should look?