Water Heater Leak

[RV-Writer]

Hi all,
My water heater relief valve is leaking see picture. is that a simple remove and replace? edit: picture is sideways sorry!

thanks
Jim

[Old-Biscuit]

Atwood water heater....1998 vintage so it is most likely a 1/2" NPT threaded relief valve
Couple of things.....
Doesn't look real bad...crusted up etc
With water supply on....pop open via lever and blow out seat/disc...could be scale built up CAUTION: Water could be HOT and it will really blow

Weeping can be due to loss of Air Pocket
Air Pocket naturally forms in top of tank when filling but can be lost ---gets absorbed into the water or purged off
Air Pocket controls pressure increase when heating water. Water swells when heated and W/O air pocket the pressure can increase enough to cause T&P Relief to weep
Water doesn't compress...air does

To establish air pocket
Turn Water Supply OFF
Open nearest faucet (hot side) to relieve pressure
Open T&P Relief via lever......hold open until water stops running out then let vlave snap closed
Close faucet
Turn on water supply

[RV-Writer]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Atwood water heater....1998 vintage so it is most likely a 1/2" NPT threaded relief valve
Couple of things.....
Doesn't look real bad...crusted up etc
With water supply on....pop open via lever and blow out seat/disc...could be scale built up CAUTION: Water could be HOT and it will really blow

Weeping can be due to loss of Air Pocket
Air Pocket naturally forms in top of tank when filling but can be lost ---gets absorbed into the water or purged off
Air Pocket controls pressure increase when heating water. Water swells when heated and W/O air pocket the pressure can increase enough to cause T&P Relief to weep
Water doesn't compress...air does

To establish air pocket
Turn Water Supply OFF
Open nearest faucet (hot side) to relieve pressure
Open T&P Relief via lever......hold open until water stops running out then let vlave snap closed
Close faucet
Turn on water supply

Thank you. We had both electric and gas heaters going because we were in a hurry. i did the air pocket part and it helped but is still dripping every couple of seconds one drop. will let it cool down and do it again.

jim

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by RV-Writer

Thank you. We had both electric and gas heaters going because we were in a hurry. i did the air pocket part and it helped but is still dripping every couple of seconds one drop. will let it cool down and do it again.

jim

Both electric and propane going at same time just heats water faster.no effect on T&P

Could just be time for new Relief Valve being it is 1998 Vintage.
It is a 1/2" NPT short probe......just about any hardware store

[RV-Writer]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Both electric and propane going at same time just heats water faster.no effect on T&P

Could just be time for new Relief Valve being it is 1998 Vintage.
It is a 1/2" NPT short probe......just about any hardware store

Thank you! Replaced it today. Used a wand to rinse the tank out too. I need to o a thorough clean out and run some vinigar in the tank i think.

running heat now to verify new valve is working.

See pic of old valve once removed.

Appreciate all the help!
Jim

[Old-Biscuit]

Not bad looking for a 19-20 yr old Valve.......

At end of season and beginning of new season pop it open and flush some water thru new one to minimize scale build up on valve seat/disc

And don't forget to establish that air pocket