If you’re gearing up for a Hill Country getaway and dreaming of hot showers under the Texas stars, your RV water heater needs to be ready to perform. As an RV repair expert serving New Braunfels and the surrounding areas, we see water heater issues derail trips all the time—usually right when guests arrive or after a long travel day. The good news? Many problems are preventable if you catch them early.

Here are five common RV water heater issues and what you can do about them before you roll out.

1. No Hot Water at All

This is the classic complaint. For propane units, the most common culprit is a pilot light that won’t stay lit or won’t ignite.

What to check:

Make sure your propane is turned on and not empty

Inspect the igniter for corrosion or loose wiring

Listen for the click when trying to light the pilot

If it won’t ignite after basic checks, it’s time to call a professional for RV water heater repair in New Braunfels TX—especially if you smell gas. Safety first.

2. Water Is Warm… But Not Hot

If your water is lukewarm at best, the heating element (electric units) or burner assembly (propane units) may be partially failing.

DIY tip:

Verify you’re connected to proper shore power

Reset the water heater breaker

Check for soot buildup around the burner tube

Sediment buildup inside the tank can also insulate the water from heat—more on that next.

3. Popping, Rumbling, or Funky Smells

That noise isn’t your RV protesting the trip. It’s usually sediment buildup inside the tank, especially in hard-water areas like Central Texas.

Fix:

Flush the water heater at least once a year

Inspect and replace the anode rod if more than 50% depleted

Regular flushing extends the life of your unit and keeps your showers from smelling like rotten eggs.

4. Leaks Around the Water Heater

Small leaks can quickly turn into big problems. I often see damage caused by cracked fittings, failing pressure relief valves, or freeze-related splits.

What to do:

Inspect for moisture around the exterior access panel

Check the pressure relief valve for drips

Don’t ignore “just a little water”

Leaks almost always worsen with travel vibration.

5. Freeze Damage (Yes, Even in Texas)

Texas winters may be mild, but all it takes is one freeze to crack a water heater tank.

Prevention tips:

Always winterize if temps dip below freezing

Drain the tank when not in use

Use a tank heater or RV skirting for cold snaps

Freeze damage is one of the most expensive water heater failures—and completely preventable.

Final Thoughts

Before your next trip out of New Braunfels, take 15 minutes to check your RV water heater. A quick inspection can save you hundreds in repairs and keep your adventure comfortable. And if something doesn’t look right, professional RV water heater repair in New Braunfels TX can get you road-ready fast.

Hot showers, happy campers, and fewer surprises—that’s the goal. Safe travels!