RV Water Heater Repair & Service

Shower's ice-cold, tank's rusty, or that pilot light keeps ghosting you? We dive in — burner jets clogged? Cleared. Thermocouple weak? Swapped. Anode rod eaten through? Replaced before it turns your tank into Swiss cheese.

At Clean Slate RV Repair, we handle everything from basic water heater maintenance to complex repairs on Atwood, Suburban, and tankless on-demand systems. Phil diagnoses every issue methodically, explains what's going on in plain English, and gets your hot water flowing again — fast.

Want upgrades? We install tankless units (endless hot water, no waiting), add electric elements for off-grid, or go hybrid — propane when you're boondocking, electric when you're plugged in. Flame sensor tested, pressure relief valve checked, all PEX lines inspected — no leaks, no scalds. We hand you the numbers: recovery time, BTU output, temp rise.

Common RV Water Heater Problems We Fix

RV water heaters take a beating and can fail in a number of ways. Here are the most common issues we diagnose and repair on service calls:

No hot water at all: Usually caused by a failed heating element (electric mode), a faulty gas valve or igniter, or a tripped thermal cutoff switch. We test each component individually to isolate the cause.

Pilot light won't stay lit: A weak or failed thermocouple is the most common culprit. We also check for draft issues, gas supply problems, and control board faults.

Rusty or discolored water: This typically means your anode rod is spent. The anode rod sacrificially corrodes to protect the tank lining — once it's gone, the tank itself starts to deteriorate.

Leaking from the pressure relief valve: The T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve may be releasing due to excessive pressure or temperature. We test and replace faulty valves and check for underlying causes.

Slow recovery time: If your water heater takes forever to reheat, it could be a weak element, scaled-up burner, or undersized unit for your usage. We diagnose and recommend the best fix.

Need help with water heater service?

Give Phil a call or send us a message — we'd love to help.

Our Diagnostic Process

When Phil arrives for a water heater service call, he follows a thorough, systematic approach:

We start by checking gas supply and pressure, verifying ignition and flame quality, and testing the thermocouple and gas valve operation. On electric models, we test heating elements, thermostats, and the high-limit safety switch.

We inspect the anode rod condition, check the tank for sediment buildup, and verify the pressure relief valve is functioning properly. Every PEX line and fitting gets inspected for leaks or freeze damage.

Flame sensor tested, burner orifice torqued to spec, thermostat dialed in — no more 'it works on shore power but dies on propane.' We hand you the numbers: recovery time, BTU output, temp rise.

Brands & Models We Service

We work on all major RV water heater brands, including Suburban, Atwood (now Dometic), and Girard tankless units. Whether you have a 6-gallon standard tank or a high-output tankless system, we have the knowledge and parts access to get it running right.

We're experienced with gas-only, electric-only, and dual-fuel (gas/electric) water heaters across all RV types — from pop-up campers to Class A motorhomes.

Tankless Water Heater Upgrades

Want endless hot water with no waiting? We install tankless on-demand water heaters that heat water instantly as it flows — no tank to deplete, no recovery time to wait through.

Tankless units save space, reduce propane consumption, and eliminate the risk of tank corrosion. We handle the full conversion including plumbing modifications, gas line upgrades, and electrical connections.

We also offer hybrid setups — propane when you're boondocking, electric when you're plugged in at a campground. We'll help you choose the right configuration for your travel style.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Prevention is always cheaper than repair. Here are a few things you can do to keep your RV water heater running reliably:

Inspect and replace the anode rod annually. This inexpensive part protects your entire tank from corrosion — skipping it can lead to premature tank replacement.

Flush the tank seasonally to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and accelerates corrosion.

Test the pressure relief valve at least once a year by lifting the lever briefly. If it doesn't release water, it needs replacement.

During winterization, always drain the water heater completely and bypass it before adding antifreeze to your plumbing system.

Pricing & What to Expect

Every water heater job is different, so we provide honest, upfront estimates before any work begins. Diagnostic fees are applied toward the repair if you move forward.

Common factors that affect cost include the type of water heater, the complexity of the repair, whether parts need to be ordered, and your location within our service area. We'll walk you through everything so there are no surprises.

Proudly Serving the South Shore, Southeastern Massachusetts & Cape Cod

Based in Carver, MA, we provide mobile RV water heater service across Plymouth, Bristol & Barnstable Counties and surrounding areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions