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 the fud trailer company, 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?

👉 contact us for personalized guidance or check out more tutorials on our blog