Replaced Suburban Water Heater Door!!!

[Scotty B]

We lost the door to the water heater on our leg from Carlsbad to Ruidoso.
No idea what happened. We did have two significant wind events that may have dislodged the door or latch on it, 60+ mph gusts 1st in Odessa, then in Carlsbad. Both hit us on the water heater side from the rear and lasted several hours.
I can't remember touching the door since I replaced the anode last summer.
Any one ever lost one before?
So, I ordered one from Amazon for around $50 and spent about the same amount for tools and supplies at the local Ace, watched a few YouTube videos, and 1-1/2 hours later we are all fixed - touch wood! The hardest part is removing all of the old caulking.
The black doesn't look bad I think, not sure if I will get it repainted at some point.
Super stoked I was able to do it myself.
Checking the latch on the water heater is now SOP during the preflight and all stops!
Safe travels!

[Morich]

Looks like a good move and for my thinking, it looks as good currently as I would expect.
I find paint is one of those things that can come out great OR make you wish you had not messed with it!

A small note that I personally do may be something you want to think about? There are mixed feelings on it so this is certainly not anything required, so let me say upfront that it is What I do, not what the world does!

I hate wasps and dealing with them. They are one of the bigger hazards I have dealt with in work and it has given me a real grudge! So I fight them on all fronts at all times!

Those little holes in furnace and water heaters are almost a magnet for them and their nests if I don't add something to keep them out.
But that is where the discussion often starts with no end as others feel anything over the vents will restrict the air and cause problems.

[Ray,IN]

Rich, it's not others feel, it's a statement in the owners manual from the mfgr. Placing screens over the vents can void the warranty. Re-read your WH owners manual.