Why Isn't Fogatti Water Heater In New-To-Me Travel Trailer Not Heating Water, But Controller Is On?

Question:

I just bought a travel trailer that recently had a Fogatti tankless water heater installed, looks brand new. I did not get the manual so not sure of the model. I did not get to try it before purchase but they said it worked great. When I got it home, the water heater doesnt fire up. It is connected to the constant water system from my house great water flow from hot and cold at both sinks, full tank of propane, valve on, supply lever pointing to proper tank, the trailer furnace works, have 12v DC power at switch. Controller comes on when water heater switch is turned on, red light at on/off button lights up as well as the controller button, F/C temp, and temp up/ down buttons, will let me adjust water temp flashes 5 times and reads ambient temp. I did notice that none of the icons come on the controller screen, flame, fan, or water flow. It does not fire up during water flow. What should I consider looking at that I have apparently overlooked. Thank you for your generosity of your time.

asked by: Phillip D

Expert Reply:

Since you just purchased the Travel trailer, and with the issues you are describing, I would be surprised if the issue wasn't the water heater bypass.

When an RV is winterized you use valves to bypass the water heater to keep antifreeze from getting in them. Since it's just now the end of winter, I'd bet those valves are still set to bypass the water heater. Check for a valve or two near the water heater, though you may need to trace the water lines to find it.

In the off chance this isn't the issue, double check that you're not getting any error codes on the controller as that's what we're going to need to troubleshoot the issue any further.

expert reply by: Samuel C