Trouble Shooting an Atwood RV Hot Water Tank

• 1). Check the water tank to be sure that it is filled. Do not attempt to turn on the water heater with the tank empty, it will damage the unit.
  
  
• 2). Check the pilot light. If it will not light, clean the pilot orifice. Use a toothpick dipped in rubbing alcohol. Twist the toothpick in the orifice to clean it out being careful not to break off any wood inside the hole. Avoid using metal objects to clean the pilot orifice. Metal objects will enlarge the hole and make the pilot light too big.
  
  
• 3). Check to see if the pilot light extinguishes while it tries to light. If it does, wait 30 seconds and attempt to light the unit again. When this fails to work: wait another 30 seconds and tighten the thermocouple connection with a wrench. After tightening the connection, if the problem persists replace the thermocouple unit and/or the gas control.
  
  
• 4). Examine Atwood RV hot water heaters with direct ignition heaters for failure to spark. When this occurs, adjust the spark gap, clean the terminals with a brush, and flush the system. If this fails to correct the problem; replace the lead wires and electrodes.
  
  
• 5). Correct smoking or sooting issues by adjusting the air shutter, aligning the burner jet, cleaning the main burner or replacing the gas supply.
  
  
• 6). Fix leaking pressure relief valves by flipping up the valve handle to clear. Purge all air from the system by opening all of the faucets and draining the tank. Check to be sure there is water in the fresh water tank. Close the faucets and turn on the water pump. Once the tank is filled, light the heater. Once the water reaches the correct temperature, open the faucets until the water runs out in a smooth stream.