Pressure relief valve drip?

Chet & Marie · 10-22-2019, 06:19 PM

Why does the pressure relief valve in my hot water drip when using electricity to heat water? It does not leak when in the gas mode? It is in a 2017 Jay Feather rlsw model with 6.5 gallon capacity and is 3 seasons old. It just started doing this on the last trip.

THE MEEKER · 10-22-2019, 06:33 PM

Just replace the valve. These valves cost less than $15 and replacing the valve is simple.

Chet & Marie · 10-22-2019, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE MEEKER

It just might be just hard water residue in the valve, just open the relief valve to drain some water out then close. Do this a couple of times.

If this does not work, it's usually a simple fix; just replace the valve. These valves cost less than $15, and replacing the valve is a very basic job.

Thanks Meeker, will try that in the spring.

che57vy · 10-22-2019, 07:18 PM

I had a similar problem water was so hot it burned us , valve would drip sometimes even a new one. I installed a adjustable thermostat and problem solved and no burning hot water or dripping TP valve

TCNashville · 10-22-2019, 08:37 PM

If you use a water pressure regulator the camper water system becomes a closed system. As the water heats up it expands throughout the plumbing system and creates an escape route through the pressure relief valve of the water heater. Opening a faucet a couple of times during the reheat procedure will alleviate this.

JohnWedell · 10-23-2019, 06:27 AM

Another thing to consider, these heaters are designed to have a built-in air pocket at the top of the tank to take up these pressures. You might try to drain the water heater and then refill it. That air pocket may have disappeared or was reduced significantly.

Chet & Marie · 10-23-2019, 11:07 AM

Wow thanks folks for all the ideas, this is exactly why I like this site.

01tundra · 10-24-2019, 09:13 AM

They can drip if you've lost the air pocket on top of the tank that's required for water expansion as it heats up.

Check your owner's manual, it should outline how to reestablish the air pocket.

Chet & Marie · 10-24-2019, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01tundra

They can drip if you've lost the air pocket on top of the tank that's required for water expansion as it heats up.

Check your owner's manual, it should outline how to reestablish the air pocket.

Thanks Tundra.

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