Mobile home water heaters are NOT the same as those used in site built houses; they are taller and narrower to fit in the space and maintain clearance from the walls. They cost more than those designed for site built houses, so people are always tempted to make them fit. It can be done, but an inspector who spots it will red tag it at once because it's a fire hazard!
Mobile Home Water Heaters
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello!!
I may buy property with a 1975 Madison (3 bedroom, two bath, 1,700 sq. ft.) that has been sitting—unoccupied-for two plus years on the original jacks with no perimeter foundation. Of course, the roof has leaked, causing damage around and above windows and dry-rot (3-4 sq. ft.) in a few corners after pulling-up the carpet. Also, there are three ceiling leaks where water ran into a few rooms (wet!!) about four feet!! However, I was surprised the unit did not smell very damp or moldy. The interior perimeter of the house seems ok, as well as most fixtures!!
The exterior of the unit has dry-rot at the bottom edges of the paneling around most of the perimeter. Plumbing, septic, and electric seem to be ok, but water heater, (maybe house!!), new flooring, and major painting is necessary.
Question: “Is ‘Madison’ a basket case??” I can do all the work myself (former flooring contractor), but do you believe the unit is worth the expense—will it last a few more decades??
Great site—thanks!!
Paul
I don’t think it is worth it. 1975 is really old for a mobile home and predates the major code upgrades that HUD put in place in 1986. From what I could see from my own experience, it doesn’t matter how nice you make the place look, to a new owner it still and old trailer.
If you can buy it for the land value and think of your repair costs and time as cheap housing it might make sense. I can tell you though it is really easy to find out you have been working REALLY cheap.
Paul
Water heater problem. Rheem mobile home gas water heater has a flue plus a 3″ flue pipe going down behind the water heater. Having trouble with occasional pilot outages. Gas Control valve seems ok.
Thermocouple has been checked. Any ideas Please.
Can a instant hot water heater be installed rather than a regular water heater, if done by a professional?
Can solar panels be added to the roof to help with electric costs?
Want to made the house more effeciant.
Please help
Yes and Yes. The best discussion of mobile home energy conservation, insulation, etc. was written by John T Krigger and is available on Amazon or at your local library.
It will not answer a lot of “How To” questions. It will give you a lot of background on your insulation and appliance options and good information about payback periods.
Would you think that going from a Gas water heater to an electric one might be a good transition in an older mobile home? and could that be done one’s self?
Why bother. Running a new 220 line would be fairly expensive. It seems like gas is usually cheaper so I am having a hard time seeing any benefit.
Where would the water heater most likely be located in a 91 Clayton? I want to adjust the themostat but can’t find the darn thing (recently moved in) ! Thanks!
Look for a less than full size solid door on the outside of the home. If you don’t find one look around on the inside for a a “room” about the size of a small closet with no obvious access.
Thanks Paul for the info about the water heater, I found a hidden panel in a bedroom closet! Now I need to know if there’s a cheap fix for a crack in the bottom of the tub?
I never actually attempted this kind of repair. I did an Amazon search for “fiberglass tub repair kit” and found two or three products. The reviews are mixed. Some say it worked great, others had problems. I’ve noticed with Amazon comments that people are quick to leave bad reviews. I suspect at least some of them are because people didn’t follow directions and make certain the surfaces are absolutely clean.
I’d love to hear back on what you decide to do and how well it works for you.