Hot water heater condensation?

[Johnynorthland]

So we are back in Florida, temps are in the mid-80s, AC cranking on/off all day, after a couple of showers I came outside and noticed water dripping from my hot water heater hatch on to the ground. I can’t seem to see anything other than the burning tube that has water on the bottom of it trickling down and out the hatch. The pressure relief valve is directly above it, however, I can’t seem to find any water coming from it. I’m guessing it’s one of 2 things, the pressure relief valve is doing its job after 3 showers in a row, and right now it’s very hot to the touch or it’s condensation around the burner tube. Anybody ever experience any of this? I have a 2019 Redhawk 25R, it’s a Dometic HW heater, with a plastic tank. This is my 3rd RV, I never noticed this happening on any of my previous rigs before. I guess I’m now looking at everything closely after I just fixed a water pump leak!

[hoppers4]

These water heaters allow for expansion by having a pocket of air at the top of the water heater. This air pocket can get absorbed. If the air pocket gets absorbed, there's no room for expansion so the relief valve will weep. The air pocket can be restored by partially emptying the water heater. Turn off the water heater, turn of the house water, drain the water heater with the correct low point drain (there should be one for hot and cold water), and then refill the water heater.

[Jagiven]

That spot looks to be directly under the pressure relief. I would take a piece of paper towel or toilet paper (the brass valve will be very hot), and touch the outlet of the pressure relief to see if it is wet.

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

These water heaters allow for expansion by having a pocket of air at the top of the water heater. This air pocket can get absorbed. If the air pocket gets absorbed, there's no room for expansion so the relief valve will weep. The air pocket can be restored by partially emptying the water heater. Turn off the water heater, turn of the house water, drain the water heater with the correct low point drain (there should be one for hot and cold water), and then refill the water heater.

Gotcha! Sounds like I need an expansion tank! Lol

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

That spot looks to be directly under the pressure relief. I would take a piece of paper towel or toilet paper (the brass valve will be very hot), and touch the outlet of the pressure relief to see if it is wet.

I stuck my finger in it, nothing! It’s was pretty hot though.