I need help with my hot water heater - Water Water Heaters

Anon, It would only work if that was meant to be hooked up that way. Check the specifications in the manual or the plate on the heater itself. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, 1st link shows typical wire hook up on both 120 and 240 v. Good luck .
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Mark, It sounds like the gas valve may be bad. You may want a tech to diagnose and repair.There are other things to check also air intake and exhaust must not be plugged and the exhaust fan must be operational if equipped.
Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
"I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."
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Seems like if you need to ask such a general question, you need to call for help...a plumber

Copy following link for possible troubleshoot resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Atwood-water-heater-resources.html
Might want to call service technician instead of messing with gas appliance.
Or sent to service center.
Install 20 gallon under counter electric water heater and connect to 120Volt... 1500 watt element will heat water pretty quickly. To have more hot available, turn up water heater thermostat, then that will give 2 showers because more cold will be added to very hot water, thereby stretching amount of available hot..
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-under-counter-water-heater.html
Add a comment as needed

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Your tank is rusted out and needs to be replaced.
Link below is a troubleshoot for leaking water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

Protect yourself first:
If your tank is rusted, there is danger of rupture.
My friend welded his leaking tank, but he assumes the risk.
Ruptured tank can cause massive damage and water runs until it is shut off.

Hot water tank is under pressure because hot water expands and pushes against tank wall.
Turn off water to tank.
Turn off power supply:
Electric: turn off circuit breaker.
Gas: rotate knob to pilot so pilot stays lit but burner will not fire. To turn back on, rotate knob to ON.
Open hot side bathtub valve and relieve pressure on tank.

You can limp by with rusted tank by turning water heater on when hot water is needed.
Shower uses 5-9 gallons hot water
Bath uses 12-15 gallon hot water
Ordinary gas heater makes 41 gallons hot water per hour
Ordinary electric heater makes 20 gallons hot water per hour.

I buy water heaters at Lowes, Home Depot, Ace.
Look for scratch and dent models.
Buy drip pan for water heater.
Wrap electric heater totally with insulation except TP valve.
Buy new flexible connectors for water lines.
Offer 15% less than marked price on tank, because the store makes money on additional items.

> Most people can install their own electric heater since you just connect water pipes and electric wire, and it's done. Read link below since there are tips that help you buy and install electric.
> Generally people are nervous about installing gas water heater, so step-by-step instructions are shown on link below. Remember gas line is under less pressure than water line, so if you can install a water pipe, you can install gas line to water heater with crescent wrench, and soapy water to check for leaks.
How to install gas water heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, fixya expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater, or any do-it-yourself project.

check the fill tube

needs new thermostat(s) If the whole tank is heating( next time it trips, before using any hot water check the lower tank thru the lower element access(breaker off) If the lower tank is hot-you need a new lower thermostat. if just the upper part of the tank is heating -you need an upper thermostat.

make sure it is wired correctly, check circuit breaker, check breaker built on to element. If all fails, and it is determined your not getting power to it, you may need a electrician. Be careful. good luck.
Steve

If you look on the outside of the RV, you will find the vent for the water heater behind and access door. There usually is a drain plug and valve located as well. Generally they will be tucked away under the kitchen sink area with internal access as well. You will need to find where the valve that shuts the water off to the unit is and turn it on. Most times the water heater is either electric or propane. But sometimes they are only propane. Once your find the access door, you will know where the water heater is. You can also contact Fleetwood who makes the Pace Arrow to see if they have any information on your unit. Usually your unit info or trim number will be located on a little plaque right by the entrance to the RV. You will need this when you contact them. Hope this helps.

You say a very new water heater. You won't get 40 gallons of hot water from a 40 gallon water heater because the continuing influx of cold water will cool your hot water down. However, it appears that your bottom water heater element needs replacing. If the top element is bad, you'll get no hot water. If your bottom element is bad, you'll get "some" hot water. Try replacing the bottom element. DON'T FORGET to turn off the electricity AND water first (closeby towels are also handy)!