Suburban | Water Heater Gas Valve for SW Series | 161306 | 161255

Restore reliable gas flow to your Suburban RV water heater with the Suburban 161306 Gas Valve. This genuine Suburban replacement gas valve controls the flow of propane to the burner in SW Series direct spark ignition water heaters — the critical component that opens to allow gas to the burner when the unit calls for heat, and closes when the call is satisfied or the unit shuts down. When the valve fails, the water heater either won't fire at all or won't shut off properly.

For Suburban SW Series & SAW6 Water Heaters

The 161306 fits a wide range of Suburban SW Series water heaters with Direct Spark Ignition, plus the SAW6. Compatibility is determined by model AND serial number — verify your existing water heater's serial number is above the cutoff for your specific model:

• SW4 D / DE / DEL — serial above 164810695
• SW6 D / DE / DEL — serial above 164513432
• SW10 D / DE / DEL — serial above 164015530
• SW12 D / DE / DEL — serial above 164513462
• SW16 D / DE / DEL — serial above 165012120
• SAW6

If your water heater's serial number is below the listed cutoff for your model, the 161306 may not be the correct valve. Confirm against the model and serial number on the water heater's data label before ordering.

Different SW Serial Range? See the 525042

If your SW Series water heater has a serial number starting with 953 (rather than 164), the correct gas valve is the Suburban 525042 Gas Valve instead — different fitment for the earlier SW Series serial range. Always match the valve to your water heater's specific serial number range before ordering.

Direct Replacement — Supersedes 161255

The 161306 is the direct replacement for the earlier Suburban 161255 gas valve. If your existing valve shows part number 161255, this is the modern superseding part — same fitment, same connections, same operation, drop-in fit.

Connection Specifications

• Inlet: 3/8" NPT
• Outlet: 1/8"-27 (NPT)
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Material: Steel

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

The 161306 is manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality certification — Suburban's commitment to consistent quality standards in propane-handling equipment.

Common Failure Symptoms

If you're trying to confirm whether the gas valve is the source of your water heater problems, common gas valve failure symptoms include:

• Water heater won't ignite despite proper gas supply and ignition spark
• Water heater fires but cycles erratically
• Valve doesn't close when commanded — gas continues flowing after shutdown
• Coil issues measured via continuity testing

Before assuming the valve has failed, rule out simpler issues like low propane pressure, blocked burner orifice, failed igniter, or wiring issues — these can mimic valve symptoms.

Paired Component — SAW6 Module Board

The gas valve works hand-in-hand with the water heater's control module board. If you have a Suburban SAW6 D/DE/DEL water heater and aren't sure whether the issue is the gas valve or the control board, the matching SAW6 module board is the Suburban 521166 Module Board — the Direct Spark Ignition control board specifically for SAW6 models. Both components often fail together since they share the same operating environment, so if one has worn out, the other may be next.

Paired Component — SW Series Module Board

If you have a Suburban SW Series water heater (not SAW6), the matching module board is the Suburban 520814 Ignition Control Module Board — Direct Spark Ignition control board with wide compatibility across SW4, SW6, SW10, SW12, and SW16 models. Both gas valve and module board often fail together, so if one has worn out, the other may be next.

⚠️ Professional Installation Required

Gas valves should be installed and tested by a qualified service technician. Improperly installed propane components are a fire and explosion risk. Always pressure-test connections after installation.

Need to Troubleshoot or Replace Your Water Heater?

If you're weighing whether to repair your existing water heater or replace it entirely, our resource guides may help:

• How to Replace an RV Water Heater — full water heater replacement guide
• Tankless vs Tank RV Water Heaters — if you're considering upgrading to tankless

Key Features

• Genuine Suburban OEM water heater gas valve
• For Suburban SW Series (SW4, SW6, SW10, SW12, SW16 D/DE/DEL variants) and SAW6 with Direct Spark Ignition
• Direct replacement — supersedes Suburban 161255
• 3/8" NPT inlet × 1/8"-27 NPT outlet
• 12V DC operation
• Steel construction
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• Serial number cutoffs apply — verify your specific model's serial before ordering

Specifications

• Brand: Suburban
• Part Number: 161306 (supersedes 161255)
• Type: Water Heater Gas Valve
• Application: Suburban SW Series & SAW6 Direct Spark Ignition Water Heaters
• Compatible Models & Serial Cutoffs:
  • SW4 D/DE/DEL — above serial 164810695
  • SW6 D/DE/DEL — above serial 164513432
  • SW10 D/DE/DEL — above serial 164015530
  • SW12 D/DE/DEL — above serial 164513462
  • SW16 D/DE/DEL — above serial 165012120
  • SAW6
• Inlet Size: 3/8" NPT
• Outlet Size: 1/8"-27 NPT
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Material: Steel
• Certifications: ISO 9001:2015