There seems to be plenty of hot water in the tank, but it's not getting to the faucet. We have the XT model GE16TE and our best guess is the mixing valve is shot. We can't find this part in stock any place, and back order will take 3 weeks. Is there anything besides the mixing valve that might be the problem? Thanks.
Do you have a bypass system for winterizing it? Look at the water lines running to and from the water heater--are there valves on them, and another line with a valve connecting them, running in parallel with the water heater? If so, make sure that the valves to and from the water heater are open (which usually means that the valve is in line with the water line), and that the valve on the cross-connect (the water heater bypass) is closed (the handle, if straight, would be perpendicular to the bypass line.
If you have an outdoor shower/faucet, be sure that it is off. I had a similar problem, and found that if the outside faucet was on(dials were on, but handheld flexible shower hose was not in use), the water was mixing and I was getting cold water at my faucets throughout the RV.
If the other suggestions don't do the trick, I had the same problem and found it was a bad check valve. Ours was a bear to get to but I was able to replace it myself. I couldn't break the old one loose. To risk doing further damage by trying to force it, I cut the old one out and used Watts quick connect fittings for the new valve. I did not use a check valve and instead replaced it with a ball valve. We get more hot water than we ever got with the check valve installed. I just shut it off when I winterize so I don't get antifreeze in the water heater.
Mike and Sharon Villano
2003 Fleetwood Southwind 36B
2002 Saturn L100
Shelties, Bond and Charlotte
I have the same water heater in my MH. I had the problem this past winter in Yuma. I talked to a fellow who had the same coach as mine and he gave me a temporary fix for the mixing valve problem. If you have access to the DISCHARGE side of the water heater, pinch the rubber hose with a vice grip plier. Start with a little crimp, run the hot water. If the water doesn't get hot, clamp it a little more. This should only be for a temporary fix until you can get a new mixing valve. I used mine for about a month until I got to a rally and had Atwood replace it for free. If you need any additional information, PM me.
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