Water heater fire

[KYAvion]

I saw a post on FB about an older water heater that caught on fire. Appparently the two knobs on the top of the gas valve were leaking propane. Notice the black residue from the fire.

IMG_2897.PNG (138.59 KiB) Viewed 2332 times

[Razorback]

Oh, my! I hope that didn’t turn out badly!?

Thank you for the reminder.

On our 34W, the hot water heater is directly under the head of the bed. Every night before we go to bed and any time we are not needing the hot water, I make use of the handy on/off switch on the control panel.

[KYAvion]

They caught it in time, so no harm done. Who knows how long it'd been leaking a little at those spots though...

I usually just leave my running, but switching it off isn't a bad idea. Unlike a wood framed trailer though, our Avions have less combustible material near the water heater. With the metal shroud around the water heater, I'd imagine it's pretty well protected. Still something to be aware of though.

[silverloaf]

Should there be a time in service limit for rv water heaters? Gas valves and connections are a particular concern.

Best practice replacement time for a residential water heater is 10-12 years. Of course, the usage rate is significantly higher than rv. However, residential types rarely see outside temperature and humidity swings like an rv.

Comments?

[Salty]

Just my two cents worth. I would think routine inspection would be ideal. Many residential hot water heaters are replaced due to tank damage and crud buildup (having de-sludged a couple myself) more than a failure of the gas/electrical supply. Heater elements I've replaced - usually every two years - mostly related to water contaminates/lime/calcium deposits (with the requisite de-sludging).
While I see the black marks on the knobs, where did the gas leak originate?
I wonder, could a tankless hot water heater solution be installed effectively on an Avion?

[Razorback]

I bet a tankless water heater could be installed effectively. I look forward to hearing more.

[silverloaf]

I installed an Atwood on-demand water heater late last year. Very compact versus the original one I removed. I fired it up once this year as part of my plumbing system check.

More to come when I get everything operational.

[Razorback]

I installed an Atwood on-demand water heater late last year. Very compact versus the original one I removed. I fired it up once this year as part of my plumbing system check.

More to come when I get everything operational.

Aren't those made to go in the space that a 6 gallon propane water heater filled?

[silverloaf]

Yes.

I've attached a few pics of the old tank model versus the on-demand one.

Also, here is the Atwood brochure that shows the features and dimensions of the on-demand unit:

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/images/ODWH.pdf

[Salty]

absolutely AWESOME!

EDIT: Looks like there is a recall on the door