Pressure relieve valve

[Schilly]

What position do I put the pressure relieve valve when filling up the camper with water? I assume closed? And how about when I light the water heater pilot and turn on the water heater? Should it be open first and then closed?
Thanks

[wags999]

If your talking about the pressure relief on the tank, you do nothing with it. It only opens when the tank overheats and pressure raises.

[arkhillbilly]

Pressure relief valve on w/h are there to pop open in case the w/h overheats. Its also a easy way to break the vacuum while draining the tank. All other times it should be closed, for water will exit thru it while filling.

[rabalin]

The relief valve can be opened when your filling up with water to purge the air out when water flows out close it. This is what I do, makes for less spitting at the faucets the first time.

[Scoutr2]

The relief valve should normally be closed, but should be opened now and again to make sure it operates freely, if needed. I use the relief a few times each year to drain the water heater, if the camper sits for more than two weeks. (The water can get pretty skunky just sitting in it!) Using it for draining also exercises it, so it's a win-win.

[Tunce the traveler]

Never open it when it's hot 140deg. You'll get almost scalded. If your in the process of draining the hot water heater and you have the drain plug OFF then you can open it.

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by rabalin

The relief valve can be opened when your filling up with water to purge the air out when water flows out close it. This is what I do, makes for less spitting at the faucets the first time.

x2

[go wild]

Originally Posted by rabalin

The relief valve can be opened when your filling up with water to purge the air out when water flows out close it. This is what I do, makes for less spitting at the faucets the first time.

That is a great idea! I will try it when I fill up this week.

[Schilly]

Great tip

Thanks

[John K.]

I'd like to get a clarification on these posts re: pressure relief valve. I drain our Jayco travel trailer's water heater before breaking camp. However, the w/h plastic drain plug becomes a missile when I unscrew it even after unhooking the municipal water source, opening the low point drain and opening faucets inside the trailer. I interpret the postings here to suggest using the valve to ease the pressure before unscrewing the plug ("it's an easy way to break the vacuum while draining the tank"). But another posting seems to say the plug comes out first, then the valve can be opened ("If you're ... draining the water heater and you have the drain plug OFF, then you can open it"). Can somebody explain a proper procedure to drain the w/h without the drain plug becoming a weapon? Thanks much. John K, dedlnr@aol.com

[j_shoe99]

Originally Posted by John K.

Can somebody explain a proper procedure to drain the w/h without the drain plug becoming a weapon?[/email]

I'm with you....I'm worried about using the relief valve while it's HOT...

Here's an excerpt from the Manual:

[Camper_bob]

IMO, the biggest danger in relieving the pressure is if the water is still hot. We don't travel with the WH on, so I just drain it in the driveway when I get home. I know the heater hasn't been on in a long time, and the water is no longer hot. So I lift the valve (and open the HW faucets) and that relieves all the pressure. Then I pull the plug. When all the water is out, I close the valve and replace the plug. Just make sure you're not hooked up to water and your pump is off or it'll try to refill the tank. Be careful to stand aside when you lift the pressure relief valve if the water is still hot, but the procedure still stands, you just have to be more careful; you could get burned.

[Camping Couple]

Originally Posted by rabalin

The relief valve can be opened when your filling up with water to purge the air out when water flows out close it. This is what I do, makes for less spitting at the faucets the first time.

X2

[John K.]

Thanks to everyone for the assistance in the process for draining the water heater tank. We've been on trips where we've not even heated water in the tank, but, when we do, I make sure the contents are no more than warm -- cold is better -- before draining the tank.