Whale Water Heater Problems

Whale water heaters are widely recognized for their efficiency and utility in caravans. However, as with many appliances, there can sometimes be operational challenges. Below, we outline some of the commonly faced problems and their potential solutions:

1. Lockout Issue:

• Problem: Some users report that their hot water and blown heating systems show a flashing red light sequence (three blips then resting) which, according to the handbook, indicates a ‘Lock out’. The usual quick 2.5-second flick on-and-off may not always resolve this.
• Solution:
  • A useful piece of information that might not be present in all instruction manuals is the need to turn the heating thermostat knob to its highest setting before attempting the switch flick sequence.
  • It’s essential to ensure that all connections are secure, especially if the caravan has been serviced recently. One reported cause of the ‘Lock out’ was an improperly connected EHU lead inside the battery box.
  • Following the manufacturer’s guidelines on clearing lockouts is crucial. For gas lockouts, the selector knob should be turned from the gas ‘on’ position to the ‘off’ position and back to the ‘on’ position within 2.5 seconds. Similarly, for electric lockouts, this sequence should be followed with the electric ‘on’ and ‘off’ positions. Simply cycling the power supply won’t clear a lockout.

2. Battery and Power Concerns:

• Problem: The system sometimes fails to reset even after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
• Solution:
  • Ensuring that the battery voltage is sufficiently high is crucial.
  • If the battery appears to be charged but the issue persists, checking the actual connection and ensuring that everything is properly connected, especially after any recent servicing, is essential.

3. Gas Supply Issues:

• Problem: The system might behave as if it’s ‘out of gas’.
• Solution:
  • Checking the gas bottle to ensure it’s not empty and ensuring that no isolator valves are closed can resolve this.
  • Remember that after changing a gas bottle, the heater might require several attempts before it lights up due to air in the gas line.

4. Fan Not Turning Off:

• Problem: Some users find that the fan in their Whale heating system doesn’t turn off and comes on intermittently.
• Solution:
  • Consulting the user manual or contacting Whale’s support can provide specific guidance. However, for those concerned about the cost of ringing the 0845 number, it’s worth looking for alternative contact methods or numbers.

Conclusion:

Addressing challenges with Whale water heaters usually involves a combination of consulting the instruction manual, ensuring all connections are secure, and reaching out to Whale’s support for specific guidance. Given the critical role these water heaters play in ensuring comfort within the caravan, especially during the colder months, it’s essential to address issues promptly.