This switch is stuck on

[Judd-FRF]

This is the switch on the outside panel to the propane water heater. When we first bought the camper, it was no problem to turn it on and off. Now, it is jammed on permanently and when I try to turn it off, the switch has a lot of resistance and I can't turn it off. Any suggestions?

 

[wmtire]

These Suburban water heater switches are bad about doing that. If it's stuck in the ON position, you can usually just control it via using the circuit breaker to the water heater in your RV electrical distribution panel. Turn off the water heater circuit breaker and it will turn off the electric heating element

The switches are around $10 per and aren't hard to replace.

 

[cboss]

Check out this thread.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f217/water-heater-stuck-on-83853.html

Not sure what model you have.
You can use the Search box at the right top of page, just put in "water heater switch stuck" and it will show you lots of threads on this subject.

 

[formerFR]

looks backwards to mine, but I believe that's your ELECTRIC On/Off switch to the electric side of the water heater element - though you don't have to turn it on or off from there, if there's an issue - just trip the breaker that leads to it.

our switch stuck a while back, and I had to replace it - but found that since I didn't need to ever really turn it on/off, since I just trip the water heater's breaker, I just butt-connected the wire back together and everything is good.

 

[cboss]

These Suburban water heater switches are bad about doing that. If it's stuck in the ON position, you can usually just control it via using the circuit breaker to the water heater in your RV control panel. Turn off the water heater circuit breaker and it will turn off the electric heating element

The switches are around $10 per and aren't hard to replace.

LOL. you beat me to it. I think I referenced one of your old thread answers.

 

[wmtire]

LOL. you beat me to it. I think I referenced one of your old thread answers.

LOL. It's all good, as we are all trying to help the member. Can't have too much of a good thing

 

[5picker]

As mentioned and I'll just reiterate... those switches often melt and become stuck.
That inexpensive rocker switch simply has a hard time carrying the load of the electric element 24/7 and they melt.

I carry an extra all the time because mine have melted about every two years worth of use.

 

[mr.dirt]

turn off at breaker and replace

 

[Judd-FRF]

Thanks folks!

 

[nomad297]

I had this happen to me. I replaced the switch and now keep a spare. Here’s the thread I posted when I had the same problem:

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f217/plumber-in-need-of-plumbing-assistance-182725.html

Bruce