A properly functioning RV water heater flame should typically be blue, with a small yellow tip. It’s important to address the issue promptly. A yellow flame can indicate a problem with the combustion process, which can be a safety hazard. Here are some possible causes of a yellow flame and what you can do to restore it back to a roaring blue flame.
Key Takeaways:
A yellow flame on an RV water heater can indicate a few different issues. One common cause of potential obstructions is insect nests or debris in the burner tube. It is recommended to regularly inspect and clean the burner tube located in your water tank housing to restore blue flame.
If our answer above didn’t solve your issue, check out several other causes and solutions below.
5 Issues That Can Cause RV Water Heater Flame to Be Lazy Yellow
- Insufficient air supply to the burner: A blocked air intake or dirty burner tube can reduce the airflow to the burner, resulting in incomplete combustion.
- Propane gas supply problems: Low propane pressure, a malfunctioning propane regulator, or impurities in the propane gas.
- Burner orifice blockage: If the burner orifice is clogged or dirty, it can restrict the flow of propane gas.
- Soot buildup: Soot or carbon buildup on the burner or other components can also cause a lazy yellow flame by blocking the flow of air or gas.
- Faulty burner assembly: A damaged or worn burner assembly can also affect the combustion process.
Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Insufficient Air Supply
One possible cause of a yellow flame on your RV water heater is an insufficient air supply to the burner. Without enough air, the propane gas cannot burn cleanly, which can result in incomplete combustion and a yellow flame. This problem can be caused by a blocked air intake or a dirty burner tube. A dirty burner tube can restrict the flow of propane gas, which can also cause a lazy yellow flame.
Obstruction can be caused by spider webs or other insects building their nests in the burner tube. Some low flame warning signs to look out for are soot buildup on the side of the RV where the water heater is located.
How to Reslove Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Insufficient Air Supply?
To fix this issue, you can start by cleaning the air intake and burner tube. This can be done using a soft brush or compressed air to remove any debris or buildup that may be blocking the airflow. It’s important to turn off the propane supply and wait for the heater to cool down before attempting any cleaning. By restoring the proper air supply to the burner, you can ensure that the propane gas burns cleanly and produces a blue flame.
Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Problems With the Propane Supply
A propane gas supply problem can cause an RV water heater flame to be yellow because propane gas needs to be burned cleanly in order to produce a blue flame. If the propane gas supply is compromised, either by low pressure or impurities in the gas, the combustion process can be disrupted, resulting in a yellow flame.
Low propane pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an empty propane tank, a malfunctioning regulator, or a clogged propane line. In these cases, the propane gas may not be able to flow into the burner in sufficient quantities to burn cleanly. As a result, the propane gas may partially combust, producing a yellow flame with incomplete combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide and soot.
Impurities in the propane gas can also cause a yellow flame by disrupting the combustion process. For example, if the propane gas contains sulfur or moisture, it can affect the way that the propane burns, resulting in a yellow flame.
This is because impurities can reduce the amount of oxygen available to support combustion, or they can react with the propane to create other chemical compounds that produce a yellow flame.
In either case, it’s important to address propane gas supply problems promptly to avoid safety hazards and ensure that your RV water heater is operating correctly.
How to Reslove Caused by Problems With the Propane Supply
To address this issue, you can check the propane pressure at the tank regulator. Use a pressure gauge to check that the pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. If the pressure is too low, you may need to replace the propane tank or regulator.
If the pressure is normal, you may need to have the propane gas tested for impurities. Impurities such as sulfur or moisture can affect the combustion process and cause a yellow flame. In this case, you should contact a qualified RV technician to perform a gas analysis.
Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Burner Orifice Blockage
An RV orifice burner is a small metal nozzle with several holes or slots along its surface where the gas is ignited to produce a flame.
Image of burner orifice
A burner orifice blockage problem can cause an RV water heater flame to be yellow because the burner orifice regulates the flow of propane gas to the burner. If the orifice is clogged or dirty, it can restrict the flow of propane gas, leading to incomplete combustion and a lazy yellow flame. This blockage can be caused by a buildup of debris or rust, or by insects and spiders that have made their way into the burner orifice.
How to Reslove Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Burner Orifice Blockage
To address a burner orifice blockage problem, you can try cleaning the orifice with a small wire or compressed air to remove any debris or obstructions. It’s important to turn off the propane supply and wait for the heater to cool down before attempting any cleaning.
If cleaning the orifice doesn’t resolve the issue, it may need to be replaced. By ensuring that the burner orifice is free from blockages, you can help to ensure that the propane gas is flowing smoothly to the burner and being burned cleanly, resulting in a blue flame.
Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Soot or Carbon Buildup
If there is a buildup of soot or carbon on the burner, it can interfere with the combustion process, causing an incomplete burn and a yellow flame. This can also cause the burner to produce more carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas that can be harmful to humans and pets.
In addition to producing a yellow flame, soot or carbon buildup can also reduce the efficiency of the burner, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher energy costs.
It can also cause the burner to become clogged or damaged over time, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and clean the burner to prevent the buildup of soot or carbon and ensure that the burner is functioning properly.
How to Reslove Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Soot or Carbon Buildup
To repair soot or carbon buildup in an RV water tank burner, you need to clean the burner and remove any debris that has accumulated. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the propane or natural gas supply to the burner and let it cool down.
- Remove the burner from the water tank by disconnecting the gas supply line and removing any mounting hardware.
- Inspect the burner for any signs of soot or carbon buildup. If you see any, use a wire brush or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the buildup.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris or loose particles that are still on the burner.
- Clean the burner with a solution of warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue.
- Rinse the burner thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
- Reassemble the burner and reinstall it into the water tank, ensuring that all connections are secure and tight.
- Turn on the propane or natural gas supply to the burner and test it to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Faulty RV Burner Assembly
A faulty burner assembly can cause a yellow flame in an RV water tank due to a variety of issues. A burner assembly typically consists of several components, including the burner itself, the gas supply line, and the igniter. If any of these components are damaged, clogged, or malfunctioning, it can affect the combustion process and lead to a yellow flame.
For example, a dirty or clogged gas supply line can reduce fuel flow to the burner, causing an incomplete burn and a yellow flame. Similarly, a malfunctioning igniter can cause the fuel to ignite improperly, leading to a yellow flame.
In addition to causing a yellow flame, a faulty burner assembly can also be dangerous, as it may produce carbon monoxide or other harmful gases. Therefore, it is important to inspect and maintain the burner assembly regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
If you notice a yellow flame or other signs of a faulty burner assembly, it is recommended that you have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently.
How to Reslove Lazy Yellow Flame Caused by Faulty RV Burner Assembly
Repairing a faulty burner assembly in an RV typically involves identifying and replacing the damaged or malfunctioning components. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Turn off the propane or natural gas supply to the burner and let it cool down.
- Remove the burner assembly from the water tank by disconnecting the gas supply line and removing any mounting hardware.
- Inspect the components of the burner assembly, including the burner, gas supply line, and igniter, for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunctioning.
- Replace any damaged or malfunctioning components with new parts, following the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
- Reassemble the burner assembly and reinstall it into the water tank, ensuring that all connections are secure and tight.
- Turn on the propane or natural gas supply to the burner and test it to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- If the burner assembly is still not functioning correctly, or if you are unsure how to diagnose or repair the issue, it is recommended that you contact a qualified technician to inspect and repair the burner assembly.
Safety Precautions
it’s important to take safety precautions. A yellow flame can produce excess carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure that your RV is well-ventilated and that you have a carbon monoxide detector installed.
It’s also important to never ignore a yellow flame on your RV water heater. Address the issue promptly and consult a qualified technician if you are unsure how to fix the problem.
Conclusion
A yellow flame on your RV water heater can be a sign of a problem with the combustion process. Insufficient air supply or problems with the propane gas supply can both cause a yellow flame. If you are experiencing this issue, it’s important to take safety precautions and address the issue promptly. By cleaning the air intake and burner tube, checking the propane pressure and having the propane gas tested for impurities, you can fix the problem and avoid potential safety hazards.
