Our aquahot started with a small water leak that is now more like a spray.
Doesn't matter if Aquahot in on or off, it's spraying. We put a valve to stop the water from going to the Aquahot so we could have water (cold fosset). We turn on the valve only for short showers.
The heat system works.
Is it repairable? Any recommendations in SE Florida ?
Thanks
Your best bet is to contact a local mobile repair that knows the aqua hot system.
You might crawl into the aquahot area with your phone and post a picture of where the leak is. Also, you can down load the AQ repair manual.
Even turning it on for short showers is not recommended. You DO NOT want water getting into the belly foam structure.
Where is the leak coming from? Inside the unit covers or external? If it's cold water, it may be the feed line. If so, it's probably Pex and easily mended. Post a picture.
Probably going to be either the hot or water lines into and out of the aqua hot. Did you come down from the frozen north country?
I have experience working with aqua hot, am close to Tampa. Have a space with electric hook up if you can't find help closer. Thanks Ron
Can see the actual leak or take picture without taking it appart but we hear it spray
So, this is potable water-- leak quits when shore water is disconnected and water pump is off and pressure bled off?
Go see Ron (Red Tractor) and you are done.
Just talked with Ron, we will go see him :)
Thanks everyone ☺️
Update on our leak...
We were not able to make it to Ron's and are now back to Quebec Canada. Called a autorised Aquahot repair here and he can't get replacement parts (discontinued) and gave us a 17k quote (cnd currency) to replace the unit.
On top if the water leak we also found boiler fluid and are pretty discouraged
Plan A : sell the coach as is and buy someone else problems
Plan B : replace the unit with a new unit for just hot water and use the AC/heat pump for heat
Plan C : Take it apart and try one of those DIY project. DH pretty good but never did that kind of rebuild. We do have time and tools but no knowledge.
Please share your experiences and/or advices. Our aquahot model us a AHE-130-02X
Thanks
There are posts of members rebuilding their units. Scott (DSD) being the last one. It can be done your coach would probably sell for less than the price of a new or used one if you sold it as is.
If it were me I'd make the journey to see Rudy or Red Tractor. It's a long way but it will be fixed correctly.
Do you know if
@red tractor or
@Rudy would do rebuild jobs and how much that could come up too.
We will be back in Florida next winter and if a trip to Texas is worth it we could consider that too
Thanks
I'm a tinkering kind of guy so I would go with plan C. If you get lost there are several here on the site that can help you out with guidance as we have been down that road.
Mike
That's odd, Ours (1998 ahe-100 model) is older than yours and also long discontinued. And yet the Aqua Hot factory in Colorado had no issue rebuilding ours. And folks on this site are always replacing parts on the older AHE-100 model.
I suggest you call Aqua Hot directly and ask about replacement parts. Might be the case of your shop just not wanting to deal with it and maybe not having experience with this older model.
TwoSons, I am a factory authorized service center too. That info plus $4.00 will get you a cup of coffee in Las Vegas.
I can replace your heater for about $10,500, parts and labor. There are a few leaks that can be repaired for a whole lot less. But, would have to see it to tell you for sure.
I am in the Houston TX area with a full hook up rv spot should that interest you.
I wish you well in solving your issue.
TwoSons; I see you are from Canada and it was asked a few questions ago if you had this leak happen while in Canada? I would also recommend either Rudy or Red Tractor for your repair. May be as simple as cutting into the pex line and fixing that leak for a few dollars! Good luck and please keep us posted.
Option C. But it's not your ordinary DIY skillset.
Option D. Go on Vacation to Texas. Get Rudy to repair or replace. Easy Peezy. And you end up with a great coach. Also ask him for factory training on how to operate and service for extreme use were you live. Carry all required fluids and tools to accomplish anywhere, anytime you need to.
Scott
Found my leak U320 Aqua hot (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=40885.0)
Thank you all for your great advices and offer (Rudy).
We are 3rd owner of this beautiful coach. Still looks brand new and low mileage (69k miles) . In all it's life, this coach spent only 1 winter in Canada. Every years (except for the one) all it did is trip from eastern Canada to Florida .We think it was properly winterize for that winter.... Could also have happened late fall or early spring as Canadian are limited to 180 days in a 365 period in the USA and still experience some freezing nights here and there. We used all our days and can't set foot in the USA until end of November :( Wich sucks on so many levels beeing retired and financially self sufficient but not really free.
Anyway, I will call Aquahot to see if we could get parts for that model as one of you suggested.
I (the wife) am not a fan of option A (selling) but DH is a little tired of all the issues
Did you guys ever take any pictures? If you show us where it's leaking, we may be able to give you some more help. The AH in my 03 U320 leaked engine coolant from the coolant loop, but it was a relatively easy fix...just one copper elbow that had a pinhole in the joint. $20 at Lowes and fixed it right up.
We don't have access to the boiler area where the leak is coming from, without taking the whole unit out.
The blue valve is something we put to stop the water from going in
Please call me. Rudy Legettt 7 one 3 8 one 8 3234 before 8 pm central.
I wish my AH was that easy to access! Just saying.......... some are buried and you have to lay on your side over the bay rails to work on unit! Rudy is da man and I would make that trip in November to see him in TX, or he might be able to help you over the phone. Either way, life is short, enjoy your coach!
Same here.....recently had to deal with a leak on my Engine incoming loop way up inside the belly of the beast.....all fixed now, but took a few weeks for my body to get back fixed due to all the twisting and turning.
Update on Aquahot. She is out of her bay.
Are you going to get it rebuilt?
Hi Ron,
For the time being, we just want to open up the boiler section to see what the problem is and see if its a simple fix
If not, somehow, get a rebuild unit in it, when we are down south this winter.
If you can not fix it and need a reman heater, please let Ron or I know when you will arrive down south. Either one of us, Ron is best for Florida, can have a heater waiting on your arrival. One of us can put it in or you can. BUT, bring your heater so there is a core to return. Put covers back on your core heater. Must be complete, pumps, burner, everything.
If you want a brand new 600D heater with a Reporter to control it, install will be much more difficult than a reman. But you can keep old heater if you wish.
All the best sorting it out
That is what we were hoping to do, and took your advice . Took plenty of pictures , all hoses ,pipes, and wires identified for easy install . Just hoping one of you can help us. Thank you
Clean up time. Looks rotten. What's next ?
Pressurize the fresh water loop you are looking at and see if you find a leak. The heat transfer mastic looks to be under the loop. All around the copper pipe would be better but may be fine like it is if you had hot water before. If a leak is found, you can install a new copper fresh water loop that is emersed in heat transfer mastic.
OR, get Ron to install a reman. If you go that route, reinstall the covers.
New update. Installed a temporary fix.
EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER... EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHDX3DT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
With the AC/heat pumps for heat and now instant hot water, is there any reason the temporary fix couldn't become a permanent one ? I like the extra bay space.
Boon docking needing to run the generator during the night for heat would be an issue
Heat pumps will only operate down to about 40-45F outside temperature. You'd limit the coach to being a southern-use only one and significantly impact resale.
Exactly what I was thinking Michelle, I would never want to rely on just my heat pumps. Before I knew better I had a heat pump freeze up at about 38* during one of our Texas winters, I now use the AH on electric element..