6 Common Suburban SW12DEL Issue Troubleshooting

suburban sw12del troubleshooting
suburban sw12del troubleshooting

Hot water is a luxury in our modern lives, which is challenging to go without. From washing ourselves to our dishes, hot water is a highly valuable resource in the world of RV vacations. Therefore, when our treasured onboard water heater, like the Suburban SW12DEL, begins to develop problems, it can feel like our whole trip is compromised.

This article has been constructed to provide all of the most common issues associated with this popular and reliable water heater to ensure the simplest fix so you can get back to the relaxing vacation you had planned.

Suburban SW12DEL Troubleshooting

1. It Will Not Turn On

It Will Not Turn On

The most rudimentary and typical issue associated with electrical appliances is not being able to turn them on. This is the classic fault that we have all experienced, which is almost always the result of an electrical issue. However, in RVs, this can be more complicated than a traditional home-based appliance.

RVs most often include an onboard leisure battery system as a means of powering their increasingly complicated electrical systems. Although many RVs will also rely on a mains electrical hook-up, they will generally also be able to operate off-grid.

Therefore, one of the key issues to consider is the conditions of the onboard electrical power. When the Suburban SW12DEL does not turn on, the first step is to try to operate other electrical appliances in the RV to identify if they function as normal.

For example, the lights and the best option as faults can be identified easily if they fail to switch on or they are dimmer than usual. This will be the first clear indication that there is an overall electrical system fault rather than the water heaters. Most often, the batteries will be charged or, at times, replaced.

2. Damaged Circut

ac dc heating wiring
Alternatively, if there are no signs of a wide-scale issue, then focus on the water heater’s wiring. RVs produce an unusual operating conditions for most of the appliances on board.

When moving, it continually vibrates, bumps, turns, and otherwise disturbs everything on board. Therefore, compromises and damaged wires are an ongoing headache for the majority of RV owners.

The best course of action is to follow the negative and positive cables to identify any loose connections or damaged cables along the way. Pay particular connection to points where the wires take corners or lie over edges which could potentially tear them over time.

Moreover, it is crucial to replace the fuse in this circumstance. A fuse acts as a connection bridge which is designed to break if the current is too high and makes the wire too hot.

Due to the nature of RV electric power, appliances tend to experience a higher frequency of fuse breakages. Therefore, replacing the water heaters fuse is also critical to ensure that there is a clear and uncompromised electrical circuit.

3. Power Loss

RV Power loss

The innovative design of the Suburban relies on its expert ability to adapt to typical RV conditions. It can function using 12V and 120V electricity as well as propane gas. Propane gas is the most common onboard fuel stored after electricity, and it is an excellent source of inexpensive fuel, particularly for generating heat.

However, most RV owners have experienced the embarrassing moment of not considering their problems to be the result of a lack of fuel rather than a fundamental fault. It is somewhat forgivable for the Suburban due to the lack of an interface that can be used to understand the appliance.

Owners must follow of series of troubleshooting diagnostic processes, which could be eliminated with a simple control panel. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the heater is appropriately supplied with the correct style and pressure of propane gas for it to function.

4. Pressure Valve Leakage

Pressure Valve

Dealing with heat and pressure is always a dangerous task, even for highly reliable and safety-orientated devices. In the case of the Suburban SW12DEL, it incorporates a pressure release valve. This valve is designed to release pressure automatically should it begin to reach the pressure capacity of the appliance.

It is a critical component that is responsible for the heater to be safe to use in RVs. Some customer complaints have indicated that the valve can begin to release an excessive amount of water and pressure for prolonged periods of time.

A weeping pressure valve is a dangerous indication that can be the result of a malfunctioning heater which must be addressed immediately. Firstly, during the weeping, check the temperature of the water inside the heater. The Suburban is designed to operate at a maximum temperature of 130C +/- 5C.

Although there is a small margin for error, it is critical that the component is not ever overheated. Should it be at an excessive temperature, then turn off the machine and allow it several hours to cool.

Technician water heating

At this stage, there could be an issue with the thermostat or heating element. Ideally, in this instance, a professional technician should be employed to deal with the problem. Unless the owner is experienced, it is vital that this serious malfunction is handled with a high degree of care.

If the temperature remains within its operating limits, then the next stage would be to inspect the valve itself. A rubber seal will be used at the joints to ensure a water-tight seal. Over time, volatile extreme temperatures combined with a humid operating environment can speed up the natural deterioration process of the seal.

Once the unit has cooled, disconnect and inspect the valve noticing the condition of the rubber and if there are any contaminants visible. Clear any material that could be holding the valve open and replace the seals or valve if the problem is not resolved.

5. Excessive Water Temperature

RV Campervan temperature

If the water heater is producing water that is far hotter than required, there may be a component issue with the Suburban SW12DEL. This is because, as part of the integral construction of the water heater, the appliance is fitted with a thermostat to regulate the power and operational sequencing of the unit.

If the water is too hot, then it is almost certainly an issue with the unit’s thermostat. There are two possible solutions. Firstly, inspect the thermostat and identify whether it is securely fitted to the Suburban’s housing.

Customers have frequently complained that if the thermostat is not securely fastened, then it has a tendency to misrepresent the internal water temperature. It is a fault which is not yet fully understood by the manufacturer. Hopefully, this is the case, and the thermostat merely needs tightening, and it should work perfectly.

Alternatively, should the water continues to be too hot, then it might be the result of a faulty thermostat. Although they are generally considered to be very robust components, there have been several instances where they have failed prematurely relative to the typical life expectancy of the unit.

A replacement part can be purchased relatively easily and installed at home. It is a simple procedure, but a technician is always advisable should the owner lack the necessary confidence or experience.

6. Noisy Heating

Water heating corrosion

There have been several issues highlighted by customers regarding the noisy heating process of the SW12DEL. Although there have been multiple ‘noises’ associated with the unit, they have all tended towards the same issue.

Effectively, should the noise be most concentrated during the initial heating and only heard at times once it is at temperature, then it is likely to be an issue with the heating component. Most specifically, customers have noticed that the heating element is the source of a number of unusual and ongoing noises from the Suburban SW12DEL.

Although it is unclear why exactly the element makes such unusual noises, there are some approaches that have generally been effective at tackling the issue. Firstly, allow the heater to cool and open the unit to expose the metal heating element near the bottom of the water storage tank.

Next, inspect the element for damage like splitting or corrosion, as either will compromise the functionality of the element. Additionally, some customers have reported a build-up of residue on the element. Often this is due to the high mineral density of water used in the tank, which will build up hardened martial over time.

The best course of action is to scrub the element with a wire brush and clinical solution to remove the build-up and hopefully resolve the noisy heating issues. However, sometimes it is more appropriate in either case to simply replace the element entirely to ensure the best possible chances of success.

Conclusion

RV Water Heater

Although the Suburban SW12DEL is considered a highly reliable unit, it is not isolated from the possibility of developing a fault. However, in all the instances above, there are some clear and relatively simple solutions to these seemingly devastating problems.

Following the above guide will ensure that you have the best possible opportunity of defeating these issues smoothly and get back to the RV holiday of your dreams.

3 thoughts on “6 Common Suburban SW12DEL Issue Troubleshooting”

  1. I have a SW12DEL Suburban water heater, the electric system works great. The problem that I have is with the gas operation. When I turn on the switch inside the trailer it may relight a couple times then the red light coms on indicating it does not relight. I reset the switch at the water heater an some times it lights and most of the time the red light comes on. Is there a switch that might be the problem?

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