Water Heater Moved?

[Carl n Susan]

When we stopped tonight, I noticed the Suburban water heater had dropped down about a 1/4" or so. Having a painted rig, the white band around the top on the exterior wall was very apparent. I have never removed one of these puppies so I don't know exactly how they are installed. I would have thought the base sat on the floor behind the pass thru compartment. The drop on the outside indicates this may not be accurate.

Have any of you amazing wrench turners actually seen how the water heater is mounted? Are the screws through the side and they may have failed?

[rohrmann]

There are wood supports under the tank that it sits on. Then a few screws through the flange attach it to the wall from the outside. Hopefully you haven't developed some rot in the wood that is supporting it. I now wish I had taken photos of all the inside when I replaced our water heater in 2016 when the tank had a leak. Just have this one of the tank with the insulation removed.

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks Bob! Hopefully there is no rot but something is wrong. I should be back home next week and that gives me yet another thing to do.

[DadsHemi]

It’s a pretty easy job, just got a get the back to remove the water connections. Screws hold the beauty ring on and screws on the sides hold the tank in place.

[jeffba]

Am I the only one shocked that we have found something that Carl did not have the answer for?

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Am I the only one shocked that we have found something that Carl did not have the answer for?

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Am I the only one shocked that we have found something that Carl did not have the answer for?

He is just testing us.

[Daryles]

We had the same problem just before the Rally last year. I fixed it while at the rally.
Use a plastic scraper to remove any sealant.
Remove the 4 long screws that hold the black flange on. To remove the flange you will need a utility knife LONG razer blade to cut through the sealant along the bottom edge between the flange and the tank.
Once you have removed the flange you will see the 4 screws mounting the tank to the wall studs. In my case 2 small lame screws.
To push the rank back into place you will need an assistant to pry up on the back end while you push it back into place.
To help seal up the air gaps around the tank (keeps drafts out in the winter) I put 1" backer Rod around the tank (I may have cut it in half lengthwise, I don't remember).
I put 3 screws into the left and right sides to hold it in place. Water is heavy bouncing down these roads. Next, I put rubber D seal tape (1/8 - 5/16) around the inside of the flange (I left a 1" gap at the bottom for drainage).
Next I put a thick bead of sealant across the bottom edge of the tank and up the sides about 3". This makes it water tight when you drain the tank it doesn't run back into your rig.
Now put the flange back on and seal it (again leave a 1" gap at the bottom for drainage).

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Am I the only one shocked that we have found something that Carl did not have the answer for?

Originally Posted by BB_TX

The darned Search tool finally failed me

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

He is just testing us.

I wish I were. Unfortunately Zack, this is a real problem.

Originally Posted by Daryles

<snip>We had the same problem just before the Rally last year. I fixed it while at the rally.
Use a plastic scraper to remove any sealant.
Remove the 4 long screws that hold the black flange on......
</snip>

Thanks Daryles! This is very helpful. I will attack this next week when I get home. I will have to turn my laptop on its side and upside down for the pics, but not a problem.

And thanks to all the other responders for your input and support!

[jcurtis934]

My chipboard platform that the water heater sat on was a real construction beauty. The platform sagged in the middle so much that my heater sat lower and probably looked exactly like yours does. Had the factory used plywood, I wouldn't have had to replace it. Of course my heater only lasted for a little over two years before it developed water leaks in the gas burner tube area.

[rames14]

Carl, you could wait and do it at the Spring rally and have 100 guys in lawn chairs watching and giving 200 ideas on how to fix it. Best of luck. Sorry for your trouble.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by rames14

Carl, you could wait and do it at the Spring rally and have 100 guys in lawn chairs watching and giving 200 ideas on how to fix it. Best of luck. Sorry for your trouble.

What a great idea Ron. A rally event that requires no fuel. I'm going from memory but doesn't the fixer normally supply the beer for such an event. Asking for a friend!

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by rames14

Carl, you could wait and do it at the Spring rally and have 100 guys in lawn chairs watching and giving 200 ideas on how to fix it. Best of luck. Sorry for your trouble.

Good idea but since we are only there for a week and given the "group" we would be still planning the removal when it would be time to leave.

[Razahoryin]

So i have a older rig, recently removed the skirt below water heater. I was experiencing the water heater moving about on trips like it was loose and trying to walk out of the enclosure.

Found the outrigger frame support had failed.
Its the l shaped frame support that extends from the chassis frame (steel) to support the aluminum house frame and walls. In addition the aluminum frame welds had failed in numerous places. What fun..

[The Oldguard]

Carl, this may help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRfkuivFpVE;

)

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks, every little bit of info helps (even if it is an Atwood heater).

[Wycomike]

I replaced my water heater recently and have attached a picture of the factory cradle which was water damaged and sagging from the leaking tank as well as a few pictures of the new cradle that I built to replace it. Hope this helps.

[Carl n Susan]

Wycomike - Thanks for the pics!!!! That gives me some idea of what I will find. How did you determine youy had a leaking tank vs water penetration?

[Wycomike]

First of all, it had not rained for a few weeks prior to when we first noticed water on the floor in the kitchen at the base of the kitchen island. On my unit you can remove one of the island panels to access the water heater. I then used a mirror and light to spot the source of the leak. The heater has a styrofoam jacket around the tank. Water was leaking from the opening in the styrofoam where the hot water line connects to the tank.

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks again Wycomike1! Unfortunately, my WH is behind the rear pass through compartment wall and inaccessible (or even visible) from the inside. It will be interesting to see what exactly is wrong when I get to it.