Many RV owners rely on their Suburban water heater to provide hot water on the road. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or living in your RV full-time, a working water heater is a comfort you don’t want to lose.
But sometimes, the heater stops working as expected. Maybe the water is cold, the unit doesn’t turn on, or you see an error light. When this happens, knowing how to reset your Suburban water heater safely and completely can save time, money, and stress.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about resetting a Suburban water heater. You’ll learn why resets are needed, what tools you’ll need, where to find the reset button, and how to troubleshoot common problems. We’ll cover both electric and gas models, and include tips for avoiding mistakes that can damage your heater.
Whether you’re a new RV owner or have years of experience, this article will help you get your hot water running again with confidence.
Understanding Suburban Water Heaters
Before you start, it’s useful to know what makes Suburban water heaters unique. Suburban is a leading brand in the RV world, known for reliable and efficient water heating units. These heaters come in different sizes, usually 6 or 10 gallons, and can run on gas, electric, or both (dual fuel models).
A key feature is the direct spark ignition system in many newer models, which lights the burner automatically. Some older units use a manual pilot light. Suburban heaters have safety devices—like a thermostat and ECO (energy cut-off) switch—to prevent overheating.
Knowing the model and fuel type helps you reset the unit correctly. Find your model number on the label inside the water heater’s exterior access panel.
Why Would You Need To Reset?
Resetting a Suburban water heater is not a regular part of daily use. You usually need to reset it if:
- The water heater stops heating water
- The error or fault light stays on
- The unit doesn’t ignite (for gas models)
- The breaker or fuse trips (for electric models)
- After a maintenance task or troubleshooting
Most problems happen because of overheating, power surges, or minor electrical faults. The reset button is a built-in safety feature. If the problem keeps happening, you may need further repairs.
Safety Precautions
Working with gas and electricity is always risky. Before you start resetting your Suburban water heater, follow these safety steps:
- Turn off power: For electric models, switch off the water heater at the breaker box. For gas, turn off the propane supply.
- Let the unit cool: Hot water and metal parts can cause burns. Wait at least 30 minutes after use.
- Read the manual: Each Suburban heater may have small differences. Look for your model’s manual online if you don’t have it.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: Protect your hands and eyes from sharp edges or hot surfaces.
- Check for gas leaks: If you smell propane, do NOT reset the heater. Shut off the supply and call a professional.
Ignoring these steps can cause injuries, electrical shock, or fire. Safety first, always.
Tools You May Need
You don’t need many tools to reset a Suburban water heater, but having the right ones makes the job easier. Here’s what you may need:
- Flathead or Phillips screwdriver (for exterior panel)
- Multimeter (for electrical checks)
- Towel or rag (to handle hot parts)
- Flashlight (to see inside tight spaces)
- Replacement fuses (if needed)
You do not need advanced tools unless you find a bigger problem during troubleshooting.
How To Locate The Reset Button
The reset button is usually inside the exterior access panel of the water heater. This panel is outside your RV, often behind a small, lockable door. The button is sometimes called the “ECO reset” or “high limit reset.”
- Go outside your RV and find the water heater’s access panel. Look for the Suburban logo or a vented metal door.
- Open the panel using a screwdriver or by turning the latch.
- Look for a small red or black button, usually near the thermostat. It may be under a rubber cover or behind a plastic shield.
- For dual-fuel (gas and electric) models, there may be two reset buttons—one for each heating element.
If you’re not sure, check your manual or look for labels inside the access panel.
Example: Button Locations
| Model Type | Number of Reset Buttons | Button Color | Common Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Only | 1 | Red | Near thermostat |
| Electric Only | 1 | Red or Black | Near heating element |
| Gas/Electric (Dual) | 2 | Red & Black | Both thermostats |
Some beginners miss that dual-fuel models may have two separate reset buttons, and both may need to be pressed.
Credit: manuals.heartlandowners.org
Step-by-step: How To Reset A Suburban Water Heater
Resetting your water heater is a simple process if you follow each step. Here’s a clear guide:
1. Turn Off All Power
Switch off the water heater at the RV’s main breaker panel. If you have a dual-fuel model, turn off both the electric switch and the gas supply.
2. Open The Exterior Access Panel
Use a screwdriver or thumb latch to open the water heater’s exterior door.
3. Find The Reset Button(s)
Look for the red or black button as described earlier. You may need a flashlight.
4. Press The Reset Button
Firmly press the button until you feel or hear a click. If your unit has two buttons, press both.
5. Wait A Few Minutes
Give the control board time to reset. Two to five minutes is usually enough.
6. Restore Power
Turn the breaker switch back on and/or open the propane supply. Switch on the water heater inside your RV.
7. Check For Operation
Listen for the burner to ignite (for gas) or the heating element to hum (for electric). The fault light should turn off.
8. Test Hot Water
Run hot water from a faucet inside the RV. Wait a few minutes for the water to heat up.
If the heater works, you’re done. If the light stays on or you still have no hot water, you may need further troubleshooting.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not turning off power can cause shock or damage the control board.
- Pressing the wrong button (for another device) won’t help.
- Forgetting to check both reset buttons on dual-fuel models.
- Restarting too quickly without letting the system reset.
Troubleshooting After Reset
If your Suburban water heater still doesn’t work after a reset, try these diagnostic steps. Some problems are simple, others may need a professional.
1. Check The Circuit Breaker Or Fuse
If the breaker trips again or the fuse blows, there may be a short circuit or faulty heating element. Replace the fuse with one of the same rating and try again.
2. Inspect For Obvious Damage
Look for burned wires, loose connections, or signs of water leaks. Any damage may mean a part needs replacement.
3. Test The Thermostat
A failed thermostat can stop the heater from working. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the thermostat is open (no continuity), it needs to be replaced.
4. Examine The Eco Switch
If the ECO (energy cut-off) switch keeps tripping, it may be overly sensitive or there’s an overheating issue. Clean any dust or debris around the switch.
5. Look For Error Codes
Some newer Suburban models have LED codes or blinking lights. Check your manual for what these mean.
6. Gas Models: Check The Propane Supply
If you hear the igniter clicking but there’s no flame, check that your propane tank is full and the supply valve is open.
7. Electric Models: Test The Heating Element
A burned-out element won’t heat water, even if the reset works. Use a multimeter to check resistance (ohms). Replace if faulty.
When To Call A Professional
If you’re not comfortable with electrical tests, or if the reset button keeps tripping, call a certified RV technician. Some problems, like a cracked tank or faulty control board, need expert repair.
Differences: Resetting Gas Vs Electric Models
Not all Suburban water heaters work the same way. Here’s a look at how resetting differs by fuel type.
| Aspect | Gas Model | Electric Model | Dual-Fuel Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Off | Propane supply off | Breaker off | Both off |
| Reset Button | Near gas thermostat | Near heating element | Two buttons |
| Common Failures | No spark, no flame | No heating, breaker trips | Both issues |
| Special Checks | Gas pressure | Element continuity | Both |
A common mistake is to reset only one button on a dual-fuel model. Always check for both.
Preventing Future Problems
Resetting your Suburban water heater fixes the immediate issue, but prevention saves time and money. Here’s how to keep your unit running smoothly:
1. Flush The Tank Regularly
Mineral deposits build up inside the tank, making it overheat. Flush the tank every six months to remove scale.
2. Check The Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. Inspect and replace it once a year or when it’s 75% worn.
3. Inspect Wiring And Connections
Loose or corroded wires cause many electrical issues. Check connections for tightness and rust.
4. Clean Vents And Burners (gas Models)
Spiders and insects can block gas vents. Clean these areas with compressed air or a small brush.
5. Test The Water Heater Monthly
Run the heater for 10-15 minutes every month, even in off-season. This prevents parts from seizing up.
6. Use A Surge Protector
Electrical surges can damage the control board. A surge protector for your RV’s power supply is a smart investment.
7. Monitor For Leaks
Water leaks can cause electrical shorts or rust. Inspect around the tank and under your RV for dampness.
Pro Tip: Keep A Maintenance Log
Record each time you reset, service, or repair your water heater. This helps you spot patterns and keeps warranty coverage clear.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Resetting After Winterization
Many RVers winterize their rigs by draining the water heater and adding antifreeze to plumbing. When you de-winterize in spring, it’s important to reset the water heater before regular use.
- Refill the tank with fresh water before turning on the unit. Never operate a dry heater—it will burn out the element.
- Reset the heater as described above to clear any safety faults from the winter shut-down.
- Test all plumbing connections for leaks.
Skipping the reset after winterizing is a common oversight and can prevent the heater from starting up.
Common Questions From Rv Owners
Every year, thousands of Suburban water heaters are used in RVs across North America. Based on user forums and RV groups, here are some common real-world questions and issues:
- “My water heater reset button keeps popping out. What’s wrong?”
Usually, this means the unit is overheating. Causes include a faulty thermostat, mineral buildup, or blocked vents. Resetting helps, but you need to fix the root cause.
- “Where can I find a replacement reset button or thermostat?”
Suburban parts are widely available at RV supply stores or online. Use your model number to get the right part.
- “How long should I wait after resetting before testing hot water?”
Wait at least 10-15 minutes for the water to heat up, depending on the size of your tank.
Suburban Water Heater Reset: Fast Facts
Here are some quick data points for reference:
- Most Suburban reset buttons are red or black and located behind the exterior access panel.
- Typical reset time (including cool-down): 5-10 minutes
- Average lifespan of a Suburban water heater: 8-12 years with regular care
- Common causes for reset: Power surge, overheating, dry firing
Diy Vs Professional Service: When To Decide
It’s tempting to fix everything yourself, but sometimes professional help is safer and cheaper in the long run.
When Diy Is Safe
- Simple reset after a power outage or minor fault
- Replacing fuses or testing with a multimeter if you have basic skills
- Cleaning burner tubes or replacing anode rods
When To Call A Pro
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Water heater leaks from the tank or fittings
- You smell gas or see burned wires
- Error codes don’t clear after reset
A certified RV technician can diagnose control board faults, gas valve problems, and tank leaks. Attempting these repairs yourself can void warranties or cause damage.
What Beginners Often Miss
Two non-obvious insights can save you a lot of trouble:
1. Dual Reset Buttons:
Many beginners reset only the visible button. Some Suburban models, especially dual-fuel, have two separate buttons (one for gas, one for electric). Both must be pressed to fully reset the system.
2. Dry Firing Risks:
Never turn on a Suburban water heater when the tank is empty. This is called “dry firing” and will destroy the electric element in seconds. Always fill and bleed air from the system before resetting or starting the heater.
Real-world Example
Let’s look at a typical scenario:
Sara, a new RV owner, finds her Suburban water heater won’t produce hot water after a cold night. The fault light is on. She reads the manual, goes outside, and opens the access panel. She finds two reset buttons (one red, one black), presses both, and waits five minutes.
After restoring power, the heater works perfectly. Later, she flushes the tank to remove minerals, preventing the problem from returning.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Suburban Water Heater Maintenance Comparison
For those curious about how Suburban water heater maintenance compares to other brands, here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Suburban | Atwood/Dometic | Girard (Tankless) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset Button Location | Exterior panel | Exterior panel | No reset button |
| Tank Material | Steel w/Anode | Aluminum (no anode) | N/A |
| Common Issues | Overheating, scale | Thermostat failure | Flow sensor error |
| Typical Lifespan | 8-12 years | 8-10 years | 10+ years |
Suburban’s use of a steel tank and anode rod means more maintenance but a longer lifespan if cared for.
Reliable Resources
For more detailed diagrams, troubleshooting charts, and parts lists, visit the official Suburban website or your RV manufacturer’s support page. You may also find helpful videos on YouTube from RV technicians and seasoned owners. For safety and technical standards, the Wikipedia page on water heating offers deeper reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does The Reset Button Do On A Suburban Water Heater?
The reset button is a safety device that shuts off power to the heating elements or gas valve if the water heater overheats or detects a fault. Pressing it resets the system so the heater can try to start again.
How Often Can I Use The Reset Button?
You can use the reset button whenever the heater trips for safety, but if you need to reset it often (more than once a month), it signals a deeper problem. Check for overheating, faulty thermostats, or wiring issues.
Can I Reset My Suburban Water Heater From Inside My Rv?
No, the reset button is located on the exterior of the RV, behind the water heater’s access panel. You must go outside and press the button directly.
Why Is My Suburban Water Heater Not Resetting?
If the reset button won’t stay in or the unit doesn’t work after resetting, there may be a serious issue—such as a failed heating element, burned wiring, or a tripped circuit breaker. Further troubleshooting or professional help is needed.
Does Every Suburban Water Heater Have A Reset Button?
Almost all modern Suburban water heaters have at least one reset button. Older models or some tankless designs may use different safety systems. Always check your owner’s manual for your specific model.
A working water heater makes RV life more comfortable. By understanding how to safely reset your Suburban water heater, you can fix many common issues yourself and keep your adventures stress-free. Remember, regular maintenance and safe practices are just as important as knowing where the reset button is.