Dometic RV Water Heater Not Working On Electric: How To Fix?
Dometic RV water heaters are a combination of gas and electric water heaters that can produce hot water quicker. It is an industry-leading RV water heater. But still, there are some common issues that most users have encountered.
Sometimes, it may fail to work on electricity while it’s all good on the gas system. It is because there might be a bad thermal cut off switch that should be replaced to fix the issue.
The water heater can also be problematic because of some other reasons that should be diagnosed asap. So, if you are experiencing a Dometic RV Water heater Not Working, check out this article.
What Causes a Dometic RV Water Heater not to work on electricity?
There are many causes why your RV’s Dometic water heater is not functioning on the electric system. Here are a few possible causes:
- Problem with the power supply system
- Electric heating elements malfunction
- Damaged thermostat
- Faulty wiring connection
- Control board failure
- Faulty cut off switch
- Electronic ignition issues
How Do You Troubleshoot and Fix a Faulty Dometic Water Heater?
If your Dometic water heater on your RV is not working on electricity, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and fix the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Check the power supply
The most common reason for a faulty electrical Dometic water heater is a bad power supply system. With time, the circuit breaker or fuse can simply be tripped or blown, causing water heating issues.
So, start by checking the circuit breaker and fuse and making sure that the heater is properly connected to a power source. If there’s no problem with the power supply, move on to the next solution.
But if the fuse or circuit breaker is bad, then replace the faulty part as necessary. Usually, the replacement cost of a blown fuse or tripped breaker is about $10-$20.
Read Also: Dometic RV Fridge Not Working On Electric? Causes & Fixes
Inspect the heating element
The heating element on your Dometic water heater is designed for heating the water. It may be defective or burned out, causing the heater failing to heat the water.
So, check if the element is damaged or corroded. If it appears faulty, replace that bad heating element on the heater.
Check out the manufacturer’s manual for information on how to replace a faulty heating element.
If you choose a mechanic to replace the element, it will probably cost between $200 and $550. It will usually depend on the working time, which is usually 3 to 5 hours.
Test the thermostat
The thermostat on your water heater is usually used to control the temperature of the heater. If the thermostat is not servicing properly, it will fail to generate the heating element to turn on.
So, if you find no problem with the heating element, check the thermostat to see if it is functioning properly.
To do so, using a multimeter will be the best solution. If there is no continuity, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
The average cost of a thermostat replacement is between $100 and $350. Parts will cost on average $60-$200, while services will cost $40-$150.
Read Also: What Does E1 Code On Dometic Thermostat Mean: How to Fix It?
Examine the wiring
Inspect the wiring to see if they are secured or not. Loose or damaged wiring will prevent your Dometic water heater from heating water.
If any issues are suspected, you will have to repair or replace the wiring as required. The typical range for replacing wiring on an electric Dometic water heater is between $150 and $350.
Check the thermal cutoff switch
The thermal cut-off switch on your Dometic RV water heater is usually a safety feature.
It turns off the power system to the heating element when the water temperature surpasses a particular limit. If the switch is tripped, it can cause the heater to not work on electricity.
So, if the above methods fail to fix the problem, then inspect the switch to see if it’s damaged. If you find it damaged or tripped, replace it with a new one.
On average, the replacement cost of a thermal cut-off switch or thermocouple is around $100-$350. The part itself can cost $20 to $150.
Reset the water heater
If the circuit breaker or heating element on your Dometic water heater is not damaged, resetting the heater may help you fix the problem.
You can also reset your heater if the thermostat or high limit switch is seemingly tripped.
Here are a few steps you can try to reset the Dometic water heater on your RV:
- Disconnect the power supply to the heater.
- Now locate the reset button. It is usually located on the access panel of your heater. So, unscrew the panel and remove the installation pad to locate the button.
- Once you find the button, firmly press it back in.
With that, you’ve reset your Dometic electric water heater.
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Test the voltage
The last thing you can do to fix a faulty Dometic RV water heater is test the voltage. Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the water heater’s electrical connections.
If there is no voltage, there may be some issues with the electrical supply or the control board. Go to a professional electrician to diagnose and fix the electrical issue.
Read Also: RV Water Heater Drain Plug Size: Everything you need to know
Tips to Help Your RV Water Heater Work Better On Electricity
Your RV water heater may be working well over gas, but the electrical system is not quite efficient.
In this case, consider implementing the following tips to prevent working issues with your RV water heater:
- Insulate the water heater to retain heat and improve its efficiency.
- Ensure the thermostat on your water heater is logged to the desired temperature.
- Install a timer for your water heater so that it only operates during specific times of the day when it is necessary to heat up the water.
- Ensure that the water heater has proper ventilation to allow for efficient operation.
- Check the water heater regularly for any damage, leaks or drips.
- Consider using a water heater tank insulator that can help to reduce heat loss.
- Flush the tank regularly to clear any sediment and enrich the overall performance of Dometic water heater.
- If your water heater has energy-saving settings, make sure to utilize them.
- Regularly schedule maintenance for your water heater to ensure it is working properly.
Read Also: 7 Easy Solutions For RV Water Heater Igniter Not Clicking
FAQs
You may still have some confusion about why a Dometic RV water heater is not working on electricity. So, here we’ve listed some queries regarding the topic found on the internet:
How do you reset an Dometic RV water heater?
Find your water heater’s reset button first. Usually red, it can be found under a detachable metal plate or close to the thermostat. Press and hold the button for a few moments after discovering it. By doing this, you can restart utilizing hot water once the equipment has been reset.
What causes a Dometic RV water heater not to heat?
A broken fuse or circuit breaker might be the cause of an electric water heater not providing hot water. Sometimes, it also can be the case that your Dometic RV water heater has a faulty check valve.
Why did hot water stop coming in my Dometic RV water heater?
Checking your propane levels is another simple action if there is no hot water in your RV. You will only receive hot water if you try to heat your water with propane if your propane is full or even extremely low.
Why won’t the Dometic heater turn on in my RV?
The central heating on a Dometic RV heater may not operate due to a power drop, blown fuse, defective thermostat, or damaged or dirty control board. The sail switch is the most frequent cause of furnace ignition failure.
What are the signs that the Dometic RV water heater is going bad?
The main sign that the Dometic RV water heater is going bad is murky or rusty water. A coating on water heater tanks prevents corrosion, although it wears off over time. Rust occurs quickly as the coating starts to deteriorate. One indicator that the hot water tank is failing is rusty water.
At what temperature should my Dometic water heater be set?
Your Dometic water heater should be set at 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and not more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If your heater is at 154 degrees Fahrenheit, it is too hot, and the thermostat will be tripped if it is over 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does my Dometic water heater have an Anode rod?
No, there’s no Anode rod used in Dometic water heaters. It is because these water heaters are made from aluminum. Like porcelain-lined steel made water heaters, Anode rods are not essential for Dometic heaters.
How to flush a Dometic water heater?
First, disconnect the power supply and water heater breaker in the circuit breaker panel. Then, let the water cool. Now remove the drain plug using a wrench and let the water drain.
How long does my RV’s water heater last?
On average, an electric RV water heater lasts from 10-15 years, while a gas heater can last between 8-12 years. Regular maintenance is crucial to extending their lifespan.
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Final Words
It is natural that the water heater on your RV will develop some issues with time. So, you should always be aware of these issues and have the necessary knowledge to troubleshoot and fix them initially.
But if troubleshooting the issues we discussed earlier does not resolve the problem, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s manual. Or contact a professional RV technician for further assistance.
Read Also: How to Know Your RV Water Heater Switch On or Off?
Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.
Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.
