Turning off your RV water heater correctly is important for safety, maintenance, and preventing expensive damage. Whether you are winterizing, doing repairs, or simply not using hot water, the process depends on the type of water heater installed in your RV.
Step 1. Identify Your RV Water Heater Type
Most RVs use one of these options:
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Propane (gas) water heater
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Electric water heater
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Combination gas and electric heater
Many RV owners forget they have both systems, which is a common cause of burned heating elements.
Step 2. Turn Off the Propane Water Heater
If your water heater runs on propane:
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Locate the water heater control panel inside the RV.
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Switch the Gas Water Heater toggle to OFF.
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For extra safety, turn off propane at the LP tank if the RV will not be used for a while.
Never work on or drain a propane water heater while it is running or still hot.
Step 3. Turn Off the Electric Water Heater
This step is critical and often missed.
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Find the electric water heater switch inside the RV.
It is often hidden behind a cabinet, under the sink, or in the control panel. -
Switch it to OFF.
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Check your breaker panel and turn off the breaker labeled “Water Heater” if needed.
Important:
If the electric heater is left ON while the tank is empty, the heating element can burn out in seconds.
Step 4. Shut Off Power Before Maintenance or Winterizing
Before draining or winterizing:
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Turn OFF propane and electric modes.
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Let the water cool for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
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Open a hot water faucet to release pressure.
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Only then remove the drain plug or anode rod.
Step 5. Use the Water Heater Bypass (If Applicable)
Most RVs have a bypass valve:
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Turn the bypass ON to isolate the water heater.
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This saves antifreeze and prevents unnecessary refilling during winterization.
If you are unsure where the bypass valves are located, they are often behind the water heater access panel or inside nearby cabinets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Forgetting the electric heater switch.
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Turning the heater back on before the tank is full.
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Draining the tank while it is still hot.
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Assuming the heater is off just because hot water is not needed.
When to Call Professionals?
If you cannot locate the switches, bypass valves, or access points, do not guess. RV water heater systems are often hidden deep inside cabinetry and walls.
We can help
You can call Custom-way and we will handle it safely.
We know RV construction layouts and can access any point of the plumbing and water heater system, even in hard to reach areas behind panels or inside the underbelly.
📞 +1 840-205-7314
✉️ customway.ca@gmail.com