How To Use The Water Heater In Your Food Trailer (Without Failures)

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August 16, 2025

On August 16, 2025

how to use the water heater in your food trailer (without issues)

do you know how to use your food trailer’s water heater properly?
even though it seems like a simple piece of equipment, using it incorrectly could leave you without hot water in the middle of a busy shift. in this guide —based on our video— we’ll explain step by step how to use your water heater the right way so you don’t run into problems.

why it’s important to know how to use water heater in your food trailer

having hot water in your food trailer isn’t a luxury — it’s a health department requirement. you need it to wash utensils, clean your surfaces properly, and meet sanitation standards.

the water heater is one of those things most people overlook… until it stops working. that’s why knowing how to use it —especially if it’s gas-powered— is crucial.

step by step: how to use your water heater in your food trailer

1. open the gas valve

just like with other gas-powered equipment, the heater won’t work if the main valve is closed. make sure the gas valve feeding the heater is completely open.

2. check the batteries

this model, as shown in the video, runs on two D batteries. place them in the bottom compartment. if the batteries are missing or dead, the heater won’t turn on.

pro tip: if you hear a “click click click” when turning on the hot water, that means the heater is trying to ignite — which only happens if the batteries are correctly installed.

3. open the hot water tap

this type of heater turns on automatically when it senses water flow. just open the hot water tap at the sink or handwash station, and the system will activate.

the flame ignites automatically thanks to the battery-powered ignition. no matches or knobs needed!

4. adjust pressure and temperature

on the heater panel, make sure both the gas and water knobs are centered or slightly turned upward. this will ensure a good hot water flow without burning too much gas.

final tip: clean the water filter regularly

even though it’s not shown in the video, it’s worth noting that you should clean the inlet water filter periodically. this helps prevent sediment buildup that could block the flow and cause ignition errors.

at Foods Trailer Shop, we deliver your trailer ready to operate

when you buy your unit from us, we install the water heater and leave it working at 100%. plus, we show you how to use it, how to replace the batteries, and what to do if it stops heating.

certified gas installation
easy access to all controls
personalized walkthrough of each piece of equipment

your mobile kitchen isn’t just a structure — it’s a system that needs to run smoothly every day.

got questions about your water heater system?

how to protect your food trailer from extreme cold (avoid costly damage)

why is it important to protect your food trailer from the cold?

when temperatures drop, the water inside hoses or the heater can freeze, expand, and crack the tubes — which can cause leaks, failures, or even expensive part replacements.

this especially happens in trailers left parked or unused for several days in cold climates.

step by step: how to protect your food trailer from the cold

1. identify when a cold wave is coming
check your city or regional weather forecasts. if you see days with temperatures near freezing, act ahead of time.

2. disconnect the water heater hoses
locate the two hoses connected to the water heater inside your trailer. these carry hot water in and out:

disconnect both water hoses (inlet and outlet)
leave them hanging — that’s fine
do not disconnect the black gas hose! it can stay connected safely

recommendation: water can freeze inside the hoses and ice can burst them. the risk is real; we’ve seen this happen several times.

3. drain the heater water if possible
if you know your trailer won’t be used for several days, it’s best to fully drain the heater to prevent internal water from freezing as well.

extra tip: use thermal covers for extra protection
if you operate frequently in cold zones, consider installing insulating covers on heater connections and use residual heat sources (like heat lamps) inside the trailer to protect sensitive equipment.