Newbie question: can't get hot working

[Sro]

I just bought a 2011 16' Airstream Bambi and I haven't been able to figure out the water heater.

When I turn on the heater (from inside the vehicle) the light comes on for a brief amount of time and then goes out. I believe this is expected.

After waiting about 20-40 minutes I'll try to use the hot water.

The hot water tap (both shower, sink) will be hot for about 1 cup worth of water, after after that point it will return to the same temperature as the cold water tap.

Is there something I'm doing wrong? Perhaps I need to do something to fill the hot water tank?

[drboyd]

Check the water heater from outside - is there a flame? Sounds like it's maybe
cutting off too soon on some safety....

[SteveSueMac]

While you're checking from outside, see if any of the wires are off their connections. I had that problem second time out and was told to look for that and sure enough, one wire was not connected. Slid it on the post and it worked just fine! Good luck!

[HiHoAgRV]

See if your manuals have any info on your water heater bypass valves.

[TG Twinkie]

Have you looked to see if the bypass valve is open? It should be closed to use the hot water.

[idroba]

Yes, a bypass valve issue.

[rodsterinfl]

Bypass valve or listen for a burner sound. Does the gas flame continue to burn or go out?

[zoieone]

Had the same issue with mine. Unit had been winterized and I neglected to turn off the bypass valve. Problem solved for me...

[mizzadventur]

I have this same issue. Likely due to winterization I need to turn off the bypass valve. I've attached a photo of my water heater access panel. Can someone tell me which is the bypass valve?

Thanks,

Allysa

[TG Twinkie]

The pic you posted is of the gas train of the water heater. The bypass system will be inside the coach. It also appears that the drain plug for the water heater has been removed. It is located in the lower left in the pic.

[mizzadventur]

Many thanks! Is the drain plug a standard part - hardware store or a Home Depot item? Does that mean the tank is empty? Where would the bypass valve be? Under the rear bed or somewhere visible?

[Rich W]

On my Safari it's under the mattress. There is an access hole that allows you to reach the shut off and bypass valves. Your owners manual can help you locate the bypass in your unit if it's not under the bed.

A similar post here in the forum saved me on our first outing this week. I had turned on the heater but neglected to close the bypass. I was able to resolve the problem in a heartbeat. Life is good.

[mizzadventur]

Ok, thx! My owners manual doesn't address this, at least not on the airstream manual. I need to order the hw heater manual.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by mizzadventur

Ok, thx! My owners manual doesn't address this, at least not on the airstream manual. I need to order the hw heater manual.

Look under "Water System" sub topic "Heater". In mine it lists the locations of the valves and an image of what it looks like.

In my 2006 book it says the 25' Sleep Six is through the curbside rear exterior access door. For the 25' FB it's through the curbside front exterior access door. For the 25' slide out models it's the roadside rear access door.

[crisen]

To the OP original question, if you have any hot water at all, like the one cup you say you get it shouldn't be a by pass valve problem at all. If so how did that cupful get hot?

This sounds like the classic Atwood XT mixing valve problem as this is exactly what happens when they malfunction. There are at least one thread on these heaters and valve problems on the forum so search for them and you should find more help. I have my own fix for them but it involves a drill and some pipe caps and you can't go back once you do the fix😁

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Airstream Forums mobile app

[mizzadventur]

TG Twinkie and richw46,

Many thanks! I now have hot water! I found the bypass valve! I also found the plug that belongs in the hw water tank drain. Success!

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by crisen

To the OP original question, if you have any hot water at all, like the one cup you say you get it shouldn't be a by pass valve problem at all. If so how did that cupful get hot?

The valve is between the the inlet and outlet of the HW heater. With all 3 open the water just above the heater gets warm but when the water is turned on it travels across the bypass instead of going all to the water heater. Closing the bypass forces cold water into the heater and the hot water out of the heater.

Until it happened to us, my thinking was the same as yours. It happened on our first trip and I knew exactly where to go to resolve the problem. Thanks to the forum for helping me, glad I could pass it along.