Sidewall above heater melting...

[Wyatt]

Does anybody else have any issue with their gas water heater exhaust being hot enough to cause a...how could I describe this, a “wave” or uneven surface to the sidewall above the water heater vent?

[al1florida]

Nope. We have had 6 RV's with gas water heaters have not experienced the problem.

I wonder if you have an obstruction in the exhaust allowing the heat to build up and overheat the exhaust tube. Wasps like to get in there and build a nest. They make screens to cover the exit pipe.

[Wyatt]

Originally Posted by al1florida

Nope. We have had 6 RV's with gas water heaters have not experienced the problem.

I wonder if you have an obstruction in the exhaust allowing the heat to build up and overheat the exhaust tube. Wasps like to get in there and build a nest. They make screens to cover the exit pipe.

Thanks, No bugs, just a bug screen. That probably blocked the air flow, or, we just left it on too long? We be had this rig for over a year, and it just happened on our last trip.

How long can you run these things?

[al1florida]

Originally Posted by Wyatt

Thanks, No bugs, just a bug screen. That probably blocked the air flow, or, we just left it on too long? We be had this rig for over a year, and it just happened on our last trip.

How long can you run these things?

You can run them forever. It only takes about 20-25 minutes on gas to heat the water and then the gas flame turns off. You can also run the water heater for about 10-15 minutes and then turn it off, to get the water hot enough for a couple of showers or to wash dishes.