A water heater is a handy device in any RV. It can be powered by propane or by electricity and works similarly to the gas-fired water heaters in our homes. A spark ignites a small flame in a heating tube that heats the water in the tank.
When it comes to RV heaters, the Atwood G6A-8E water heater is in a league of its own. Manufactured by Atwood, it is designed to withstand corrosion and comes with many innovative features.
No doubt, it is a great addition to any RV, but it also has its own fair share of problems. Today, we will take you through some of the common problems that you will likely face while using this water heater.
Atwood G6A-8E Troubleshooting
If your Atwood Water Heater isn’t heating water, here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:
1. Check Connections
If your Atwood G6A-8E water heater is not heating water, the first step in troubleshooting is to check the connections.
Moreover, check the orifice or thermocouple to ensure it’s not clogged. Also, ensure that gas pressure is set according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If your Atwood G6A-8E water heater is not working properly, you can try plugging it into another outlet. Sometimes, the problem might be due to a bad outlet.
In that case, you can plug your heater into another outlet that you know works fine. If the unit starts working, the problem is with the previous outlet.
2. Check the Battery
If you’ve noticed that the Atwood G6A-8E water heater hasn’t been lighting up, one of the first things to do when this happens is to check the battery.
Make sure that there is at least a quarter of a full charge. In addition to that, ensure that the heater is not left on. This will make your battery last longer than usual.
3. Pilot Flame
You should also check the pilot flame to determine if it is a problem. Poor pilot flame can be caused by a weak gas control magnet or a bad thermocouple. Sometimes, a blocked tube can also lead to this problem.
Therefore, you will need to clean it to remove any obstructions. Also, check the gas pressure to ensure it is at the recommended level.
Another common cause for a pilot outage is a failing gas control solenoid. It is among the most crucial components of a heater and must be replaced if not functioning properly.
You can also try cleaning the orifice or the tube. Sometimes, you’ll have to replace the pilot if the flame is too weak.
Besides, you should also check the gas pressure. If the pressure is too low, your Atwood G6A-8E water heater won’t be able to heat water or may stop working altogether.
So, make sure that the gas pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Dirty Water Heater
The Atwood water heater is a highly efficient water heater that provides hot water for your RV. Like other water heaters, dust and debris can get stuck inside it and hinder its normal functionality. So, you will have to clean it every now and then.
To do this, you must consult the user manual to determine how to do it. Generally, the manual will explain how to remove different parts of the water heater and how to clean them properly.
5. Reset
You can follow a few steps to reset an Atwood water heater. You’d be surprised to know that resetting fixes minor problems most of the time.
For this purpose, simply unscrew the rubber pad on the water heater and press the push button. This will restore the water heater to a factory default state.
After completing these steps, you can reset the water heater. Once you have reset the water heater, turn it on to see whether it is working fine or not.
6. Bad Fuse
If you’re having problems with the Atwood water heater in your RV, consider checking the fuse. This component ensures your heater’s safety, which blows out frequently and causes problems. Replacing the fuse is recommended as it can’t be repaired.
If you’re having problems with your Atwood G6A-8E water heater, you can consult the manual to find the correct solution. Be careful not to damage the unit while disassembling it.
The service manual and troubleshooting guide provided by the manufacturer contain detailed instructions on replacing the electric water heater components and fixing common problems.
There might be several other reasons why your water heater may malfunction. If your Atwood water heater isn’t working correctly, it’s a good idea to call a professional.
These professionals are trained in water heater repair and can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
The Bottom Line
The Atwood G6A-8E RV water heater is an automatic choice for many users. However, it is also susceptible to various problems.
The troubleshooting guide might help you identify the most common issues with this water heater. You should seek professional help if you can’t resolve the issue yourself.
We have just bought this 2002 Thor Motorhome with the Atwood G6A-8E hot water heater in it – started it up/burns hots/turns off when heated up but water not hot enough/Luke warm. How do we set temperature higher – no thermostat control? Or needing parts?
Water heater is venting inside the RV
We have a 1998 Fleetwood Bounder with the Atwood G6A-8E. It has been working well, for we live in it and use it daily. About 10 days ago the pilot will light, then quickly go out. Then repeat the same cycle. What would seem to be the culprit to keep it from staying lit? Stove, oven, and interior heater are still functioning properly.