Harve-ClassB
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2015
- Posts
- 15
I have undertaken the big job of replacing my Atwood EHM4 hot water heater. Mine just doesn't work any more. I purchased one from Amazon for about $235 plus shipping. First off, the replacement is not exactly like the original one in my 2001 HD. The new one came with a spigot for one of the drain locations. OK, I will be abandon one of the drain lines that dumps directly to the outside. Now, I will drain with a garden hose attached to the spigot.
Some things I've learned that I will share:
1. Take a deep breath because it looks daunting at first (and it is) but you can tackle this if you take your time. It is in a very cramped space and the unit isn't really designed for the Rialta. It IS a marine water heater and is designed for a boat.
2. You will need to make cuts in various existing water supply and drain lines to get the water heater out. These lines are 1/2" (nominal) PEX lines. You can buy everything you need at Lowes or Home Depot in the plumbing department.
3. The existing system of elbow joints and in-line connectors is "old school" and difficult to work with. There is easier stuff to use and it is a "compression" system. Push the tube in the end of the connector and slide the lock ring. Voila, you're done.
4. Invest in a PEX cutter and a saw for tight spaces. You'll need to make some cuts in very tight spaces to get the old hot water out and reinstall the connections.
I'll keep you posted on other things that I learn about this install.
As an aside, I discovered that the motor heat hot water line had a leak. Basically this is loop that runs from the engine and goes through the hot water heater. This is water and anti-freeze that runs from the engine. The heat from this tube runs through the hot water heater and you get hot water as soon as you pull into your campsite. I will replace the hose (looks like a piece of radiator hose) and the clamps. BTW, this piping makes a pass through the heat exchanger underneath the wardrobe to provide heat in the back portion of the coach.
I'm also replacing the hot water switch and will keep you posted on how that goes.
Some things I've learned that I will share:
1. Take a deep breath because it looks daunting at first (and it is) but you can tackle this if you take your time. It is in a very cramped space and the unit isn't really designed for the Rialta. It IS a marine water heater and is designed for a boat.
2. You will need to make cuts in various existing water supply and drain lines to get the water heater out. These lines are 1/2" (nominal) PEX lines. You can buy everything you need at Lowes or Home Depot in the plumbing department.
3. The existing system of elbow joints and in-line connectors is "old school" and difficult to work with. There is easier stuff to use and it is a "compression" system. Push the tube in the end of the connector and slide the lock ring. Voila, you're done.
4. Invest in a PEX cutter and a saw for tight spaces. You'll need to make some cuts in very tight spaces to get the old hot water out and reinstall the connections.
I'll keep you posted on other things that I learn about this install.
As an aside, I discovered that the motor heat hot water line had a leak. Basically this is loop that runs from the engine and goes through the hot water heater. This is water and anti-freeze that runs from the engine. The heat from this tube runs through the hot water heater and you get hot water as soon as you pull into your campsite. I will replace the hose (looks like a piece of radiator hose) and the clamps. BTW, this piping makes a pass through the heat exchanger underneath the wardrobe to provide heat in the back portion of the coach.
I'm also replacing the hot water switch and will keep you posted on how that goes.