Dometic Water Heater Troubleshooting [9+ Easy Fixes]

Throughout this troubleshooting guide, we will explain the major Dometic water heater problems and their effective solutions. So, let’s start:

Note: You can also read how to fix the suburban water heater won’t stay lit.

1. Heater Won’t Ignite

You turn on your heater’s electricity, the light switch comes on, and the unit starts working. Then while you turn on your heater’s gas, gas flows to your heater, but your heater is not igniting. The simple reason for it can be the power is not running to your heater, or there is leakage in the propane gas line.

Also, your heater can fail to ignite, maybe because the breaker is tripping or the fuse is blowing. Of course, the unit will not ignite if its igniter is faulty or the burner is not getting gas. Along with these causes, some more reasons are the defective circuit board, burnt-out control board, etc.

Solution:

First off, ensure your heater is getting proper power to run, and there is no leakage in the gas line. However, if you detect any leak in the propane line, we recommend you fix it immediately. Moreover, avoid using your heater as long as you don’t fix the gas leak.

The defective control board or tripping circuit breaker indeed prevents your heater’s igniter from igniting. Therefore we suggest you check and replace them.

Also, don’t forget to inspect the igniter and burner, as these are an important part of your heater’s heating assembly. Replace the non-functioning igniter and lousy burner if you find these are bad. And make sure the burner is getting gas from the valve.

2. Heater Won’t Stay Lit

After turning on your heater and running for a while, the unit suddenly shuts off, and this problem really sucks. Well, the defective thermostat, empty fuel tank, and inadequate propane gas pressure are some of the major culprits to blame.

However, when the thermocouple fails to sense the flame, your heater won’t operate continuously. This necessarily indicated the thermocouple malfunction. Also, your heater can go through this difficulty simply because the gas valve is not getting the correct voltage signal.

Solution:

Your heater requires a constant gas supply and adequate propane gas pressure to stay lit. So, first of all, ensure the fuel tank has sufficient propane and the gas pressure is also correct. A thermocouple is one of the most crucial parts of your heater’s entire heating system. Therefore, ensure it is not bad, or simply replace the non-functioning one.

When replacing the thermocouple, ensure you installed it correctly and it senses the flame perfectly. Moreover, it’s your responsibility to check and ensure your heater’s gas valve is getting the correct voltage signal.

3. Heater Blowing Fuse

The dometic water heater keeps blowing the fuse frequently is another major hitch you may encounter while using this heater. Your heater system’s multiple loose connections or insecure and improper wiring connections can simply cause this issue.

However, your heater’s blowing fuse can be also caused by the control board malfunction, short circuit, faulty thermal fuse, etc. Furthermore, the fuse starts going out when the circuit breaker trips, your heater is overheating, or electrical elements become bad.

Solution:

A blown fuse necessarily signals your heater’s electrical problem. Therefore we recommend you first unplug every connection under your water heater’s outside cover. Also, unplug your heater’s on/off switch. And then connect the wire ends manually.

If following this process doesn’t make a change, then you need to check your heater’s wire for a loose connection. When such a hitch exists, you must replace the faulty wiring connection and tighten the loose wire. In case you feel like you are not an expert in working around electricity, it is better to contact a professional.

Next, step forward and double-check your heater control board, thermal fuse, circuit breaker, and other heating elements. And replace the bad ones when necessary.

4. Heater Not Working On Gas Or Electric

Whether your Dometic water heater uses gas or electricity, it can stop working anytime. The igniter will not come on for propane, and your water heater will not produce hot water. The simple reason for it can be there is no power in your heater, or the propane level is low.

However, your heater can stop working on gas and electricity due to the lousy thermal cut-off switch or a malfunctioning thermostat. Also, the Compass Connect control panel’s difficulty and the damaged circuit board can stop your heater from functioning.

Solution:

When your Dometic water heater stops operating on gas or electricity, first off, look for power in your heater. Make sure the unit is getting proper power, and there is enough propane in it. Afterward, you must pull your heater’s control panel and inspect the switch’s connection.

However, another mandatory task is to check for your heater’s loose wire connection and blow out the debris on the panel’s back. Of course, your heater’s non-functioning parts are big culprits for this trouble.

So check the thermostat, fuse, thermal cut-off switch, and circuit breaker. In case you find any of these become damaged, we suggest you replace them.

5. Temperature Issues

Due to your Dometic water heater temperature-related hitches, your heater may get too hot or not hot enough. Below, we will explain all the causes and resolve ways of your water heater’s overheating and not a heating issue.

i). Heater Too Hot

Your Dometic water heater overheating on either gas or electricity is another difficulty that users often complain about. When you switch on your heater to heat up even for a while, your heater gets too hot mainly for the following reasons:

Malfunctioning thermostat

Too high or incorrect temperature setting
The stuck or blocked pressure relief valve or bad mixing valve
Damaged heating element

High mineral build-up

Solution:

By slightly adjusting the winterizing of your water heater’s pass valve, you can prevent your heater from getting hot. Adjusting will allow the cold water to mix with your heater’s hot water.

As long as you don’t get the desired temperature on your water heater, just play with the bypass valve. To fix the too-hot heater, you must ensure the temperature setting is perfect and not too high.

Next, look for damage in your heater’s different parts, like the mixing valve, thermostat, heating element, or pressure relief valve. And replace the faulty components. Another important task is to clean your water heater tank’s mineral build-up.

ii). Heater Not Getting Hot

Your Dometic water heater not only gets too hot but also can stop getting hot. Suddenly you may experience your heater’s hot water running out quickly because of inadequate heating.

The simple reasons for it can be the too-low temperature setting, malfunctioning thermostat, or broken dip tube. Also, some more factors to be blamed are the heater’s internal broken heating elements and loose wiring connection.

Solution:

The main job of your water heater is to produce hot water. But in case the unit doesn’t perform its job, you should not overlook this hitch. However, you simply need to increase your water heater temperature setting to fix this trouble.

When increasing the temperature doesn’t make any change, then inspect and replace the lousy thermostat or damaged dip tube. Also, if there are any faulty wiring and malfunctioning heating elements, replace them.

6. Water Heater Leaking

The repercussions of your water heater leaking is severe. Leaks allow the water to come out, and water can damage your home walls, floors, and precious possessions.

However, suddenly your heater can leak from the bottom or any other parts, mainly for the following reasons:

Defective hot and cold water connection or incorrectly installed pipeline
Dain valve and T & P valve malfunction

Sediment build-up and corrosion in the tank’s inside
Too much hot water pressure
Damaged inlet and outlet connection

Solution:

The simple way to settle the above trouble is to check your heater’s hot and cold water connection. Make sure the pipeline is correctly installed.

Now inspect and replace the non-functioning drain valve, T & P valve, and bad inlet and outlet connection. After doing all these, you must also clean your tank inside sediment build-up.

7. Water Heater Lockout

Your water heater’s lockout condition means the unit’s indicator light is on, but your heater will not respond to the restarting instructions. For ½ hour, you run your water heater on gas. And then your heater shuts off and displays the “Ignition Lockout Fault” message.

When there is air in the gas line, or your heater entirely runs out of propane, the unit can go into the lockout condition. Also, the failed thermostat and open gas supply valve are equally responsible for this.

Solution:

Firstly, let the water in your heater cool, and for at least 30 seconds, reset your heater’s switch to the off position. And after 30 seconds, turn the switch on. If still, lockout persists in your heater, do the following to fix it:

Bleed the air in your heater’s gas line. Bleeding the air is risky. Therefore if you are a newbie or don’t have previous experience, it is better to contact the local service provider company.

Next, inspect and refill the propane tank and ensure your heater is getting sufficient gas.
Finally, you must replace your heater’s defective thermostat. And close the gas supply valve to take your heater out of the ignition lockout situation.

Note: Whether your heater operates on gas or electric mode, your heater can lock out in both conditions.

8. Heater Black Soot

Incomplete gas combustion and an improper mixture of gas and air are responsible for your heater’s black soot. Also, the dirty main burner, obstructed chimney, and improper air intake restrict the gas flow or airflow and create dirt.

Solution:

Ensure your heater’s proper gas combustion and an adequate mixture of gas and air. Make sure your heater gets sufficient gas flow and nothing restricts the airflow. Afterward, properly clean your heater’s main burner and chimney’s obstruction.

9. Heater Makes Noises

Your heater can make noise when the pressurized water is forced to move through the tight spaces. Suddenly you may experience your heater making different noises like screeching, popping, or whistling to give you the fault indication. Noise from your heater means it will stop heating and producing hot water.

However, your heater can generate abnormal sounds for the following reasons:

Loose or non-functioning drain valve
Faulty hose connection

Liquid gets trapped against your heater’s heating element or damaged heating elements
Excessive sediment build-up in the tank’s bottom

Solution:

Your Dometic water heater making noise means your heater is going through problems. Thus whenever you hear the sound coming from your heater, follow the actions below immediately to fix it.

Firstly, make sure water is not passing through tight spaces. Also, ensure the pipes are not kinked; rather flexible
Then ensure the valve is open and replace the non-functioning valve
Replace the lousy heating elements and defective hose connection.

Clean your tank’s excessive sediment build-up

FAQs:

Where is the reset button on a Dometic water heater?

The red color reset button on your Dometic water heater is usually located at the water heater thermostat above or in the limit switch’s center.

Can you manually light a water heater with the electronic pilot?

NO! You should not manually attempt to light your water heater’s electric ignition system. The electric pilot ignites the gas using electronic ignition. And thus, don’t try to light it manually.

Do Dometic Water heaters have anode rods?

No! Dometic water heaters don’t have anode rods. The main element of this heater is the lightweight aluminum tank.

Final Thoughts

So, hopefully, the above ultimate Dometic water heater troubleshooting guide has been helpful for you. And now you know what major problems your heater can go through, including their solutions. From now, following all the guidelines, you can resolve your Dometic water heater issue by yourself.

Comment and let us know whether you successfully solve your heater’s problem or not. We are always ready to help you.

Dometic Water Heater Troubleshooting [9+ Easy Fixes]

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