Broken tankless water heater

[jabrabu]

I went out of town for a couple of weeks and wasn't able to winterize my RV before leaving, and it got below freezing while I was away and broke my tankless water heater.


The RV is a Chateau 31E with the Girard tankless water heater. When I turn on the water pump, water gushes from inside the water heater. I assume the leak is in the heat exchanger, but I can't see exactly where it's coming from so I'm not positive.



The heat exchanger costs about $180, and a complete water heater unit is about $650 most places, but I found a place that has it for $530 with free shipping. I found a youtube video that showed replacement of the heat exchanger. It's doable, but you have to disassemble most of the unit, and there are a lot of sensors and connections and o-rings involved. I'm also not certain where the leak is, so I'm thinking the best approach is to replace the entire unit.


I'm just wondering if anyone here has experience with this. Have you replaced the heat exchanger or other parts? Have you replaced the whole unit?

[widdershins]

It's really up to you.

I'd suggest pulling it out, taking it apart to positively determine the problem. If you find that it's the heat exchanger and you feel comfortable replacing that then go for it.

That should give you a better sense of what you'll be getting into.. AND as a bonus removing the heater has to be done in either case so it's work you'd have to do anyway.

[Judge]

If you had your propane on and the main power switch at the unit on (and the Use / Store was in Use), the Girard has a protection that kicks in when the heat exchanger reaches 38F. The burner will fire and run until the heat exchanger reaches 58F then it will shut off. It sill continue to do this to keep the copper lines from freezing and bursting.

I bought a unit with a burst heat exchanger cheap for spare parts and completely disassembled it. It is not rocket science but it is s bit tedious and you have to be careful not to damage other key components.

If you are mechanically inclined and routinely do repairs and upgrades, it is doable.

Regardless, you will need to remove the entire unit from the coach, which means making sure the water and gas lines are leak tight and you reseal the unit on the side of the coach with ProFlex.

[jabrabu]

Yeah, I just learned about that automatic freeze protection. I usually turn off my propane when I'm not using the RV, so unfortunately that protection was disabled. Lesson learned.

[Bob Denman]

Good luck, and remember to keep an eye on the forecasts...

[jabrabu]

I think I found the problem.

[OldWEB]

Well if that is copper, you should be able to have it repaired, a good welder could solder that easy peasy, if you are not comfortable doing it.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by jabrabu

I think I found the problem.

I agree... that could possibly be repaired by a good plumber / solder. But you would want to pressure test it to make sure the repair holds and there are no other areas damaged when it froze.

[Coveman2]

If you are interested I have a girard tankless water heater out of my 2018 Compass that I used one season and is in as new condition, the only problem would be shipping across the border from Canada. I would be looking for $400 CAD ( approx $325 US) plus shipping and I have a picture. Send a message if you want to discuss.
Coveman2

[Galobo]

I agree with OldWeb about possibly repairing the burst, I would look for a good welder or plumber before replacing. Good luck and let us know if the unit can indeed be repaired.

[Edensob]

You might also want to check out a radiator repair facility. They can effect the repair and pressure test the unit.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Edensob

You might also want to check out a radiator repair facility. They can effect the repair and pressure test the unit.

Yep, a welder is not the expert required. A brazer is.

[Galobo]

Originally Posted by Edensob

You might also want to check out a radiator repair facility. They can effect the repair and pressure test the unit.

Agree, Didn’t think about this hoot one if the suggestions can get fixed without breaking the bank.