dribbling pressure relief valve on W.H.

[BunkHouse26]

hey guys!

is it normal for the water heater pressure relief valve to dribble periodically? a few weeks ago i noticed water trails coming from behind the WH panel and when i opened it, i noticed drops of water dripping from it...not continuous, but enough to leave trails... i lifted the little handle on the relief valve releasing pressure and some hot water... continued monitoring it for a few days with no more signs of drippage... looked at it the other day and it looked like it may have dripped a little more (water trails down the side of the camper) but nothing was wet when i opened the panel up for inspection... just wondering if a little drippage every now and then is normal or if i have a faulty relief valve...

thanks guys and happy camping,

Doug

[tlhdoc]

A little dripping does happen. If it bothers you, you can recreate an air space at the top of the tank by draining your tank and then refilling it. The air space is normal and tends to get smaller over time.

[Jagiven]

If your water pressure is not exceeding the pressure relief valve’s design specifications (75 or 80 psi), then a dripping pressure relief valve is a sign that it needs to be replaced. It will get worse and worse, until water is pouring out of the valve. It is better to do a little PM (preventive maintenance) then being at camp and it fails completely and you have not water pressure.

[krackeer]

I had to replace one on my old TT. Water started pouring out. Scared the heck out of me!

[jwstewar]

Do you have a water pressure regulator? We borrowed my cousins 5th wheel to live in for a few weeks until the insurance company could get us something to live in when our house burnt (we didn't have our Jayco yet, had an older 28' camper with no slides). Anyway, the pressure relieve valve was leaking. So I swapped it out. The new one was leaking. Installed a pressure regulator all was well. Funny store to go along with this, then when we moved into our new house, the toilets kept running. We called in the plumber and finally the water company, we had almost 150 PSI of water pressure there at the house. That is why the relieve valve was leaking on the camper.