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Topic: Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve (Read 16 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve
Yahoo Message Number: 23451
Sorry if this is a double post, but I don't think my first one got through:

On my last two trips in my LD, I have a recurrent drip from the pressure relief valve in the water heater.  I understand that this is due to expansion as the water is heated up and have followed the manual's instructions to turn off pressure and pop the relief valve to restore the air gap in the tank.  However, the problem continues.
The drip only seems to occur when the tank is being heated up and the water lines are under pressure from either city water or with the water pump on.

I was just seeking any advice before I contact LD or Atwood for help.  My guess is to replace the pressure relief valve.  Anyone else have this problem.  I seem to remember a post a while ago about this.

thanks,

Mike S.
On the road in Bend, Oregon 2003 26.5 MB
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
Re: Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23458
Mike:

The pressure relief valve cannot leak unless you have lost the air bubble
Re: Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23466
Thanks Gus,

I'll try your procedure when I get home.

Mike S.
One the road in Bend, Oregon with a lost bubble 2003 26.5 MB
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
Re: Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23477
Mike S.,

There is another method of re-establishing the air gap in the hot water tank but it's easiest if you have a petcock/drain cock or some other valve in place of the nylon plug Atwood currently uses to drain the tank. You unhook from city water and remove pressure from the system. Then open the petcock/valve and then the pressure/temperature relief valve. After letting a couple quarts of water drain close the petcock/valve and then the Watts valve "with authority". Then re- pressurize the system and the air gap will be re-established. You can also do it with the nylon plug but it's a lot more messy and wet that way! Replacing the nylon plug with a petcock makes draining the tank much easier and dryer and typically cost only about $4 or less.
Sometimes you must buy a 1/2" to 1/4" bushing and a 1/4" petcock but they are available packaged together at most RV stores.
 Gus's method also works fine with one caveat. Hoses will always have water left in them regardless of how well you drain them and bacteria can start to grow in them rather quickly. That's why it's a good idea to always flush the hose with some fresh water before hooking it up to your city water inlet or using it to fill your tank. If you do that first and then drain it at least partially you won't introduce any potential bacteria that could have started growing in it into your system.

Mike R.
 
Re: Water Heater: Recurrent drip from pressure relief valve
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23481
Thanks Mike,

I have it on my project list to add a petcock valve to the heater anyway.  I'll give it a try.

thx, Mike S.
2003 26.5 MB
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition