By Dustin Simpson
Here is a sample from one of our past Talkin’ RV Tech shows where one of our viewers asked for help diagnosing their Suburban water heater. It’s a common problem: “My water heater clicks multiple times, but won’t light.”
Sequence of operation
If the water heater attempts to light but does not sense the flame, it’s a telltale sign that something is wrong with the electrode:
- The porcelain on the electrode may be dirty, damaged or loose.
- The metal igniter portion of the electrode may be split or cracked.
- The electrode may simply be out of alignment.
When this electrode is not functioning properly in the water heater sequence of operation, it does not send millivolts back to the PC board to tell the gas valve that heat is present and to keep running.
Additional troubleshooting
The electrode is just one part out of several that can go bad on a water heater. Should you be experiencing additional or different issues as described above, you may find the Suburban Water Heater Service & Training Manual to be helpful, especially pages 16–17, which include more on the sequence of operation and the troubleshooting chart.
Electrode replacement
To find the right replacement part, you will need to know the model and serial number of your water heater. To locate this information, you will need to open the water heater access door on the outside of your RV. The data plate will be printed on the right side of the water heater housing.
The most popular Suburban water heaters are from their SW series. The electrode replacement is part #232258, 2-prong electrode assembly. Should you have a different make and model of RV water heater, please check your water heater owner’s manual, contact the manufacturer of your water heater, or contact your RV parts store for assistance. Have your model and serial number ready (here’s how you find it).
More from Dustin
Read more of Dustin’s articles here.
Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop!
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RVDT2820
Nice manual! Do you have a link to the Atwood model? Thanks!
Hi, Ran. I just Googled it and saw several listed, for different years. Hopefully you can find what you’re looking for there.🤞 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
If the water heater does not even attempt to light, just clicks, it may be a problem with the gas supply. Either a bad gas valve, or more likely a clogged flame tube. Insects love to make home in the tube.
If you have recently had your propane tanks turned off, there may be air in the line when you turn the gas back on. This can prevent your water heater from lighting. Make sure the tanks are on, light your stove to ensure the gas is there, then try a few more times to light the water heater. Always works for me. You can also try blowing out the area around the burner with an air hose to clean out gunk and a spider web.
And the burner tube itself. A real nice hiding place.
I had a problem two years ago where the flame was bright orange and sooty instead of blue.
I blew out the tube and out popped a ‘stink’ bug. Problem solved!