Hot water heater sweat or leak

[Jake21]

Moved from Moab to Denver today. After we docked, i noticed water on the ground outside the water heater. Opened the outside panel and there was a little water on the bottom of the compartment and on the inside of the panel door. Has anyone experienced condensation on the outside of the water heater area?

Thanks,
J

[CLIFFTALL]

I think it's the pressure relief valve. It happens on mine in cooler temps.
Try this to replace the air bubble in the tank which can cause this leakage.
First, turn off the water supply and the power to the WH. Open a cold water faucet. Next, lift the lever on the pressure relief and allow it to draw air into the tank by draining water from it. You don't need to leave it open for long. When you close the relief, make the lever snap shut by just pushing on it until the lever falls away as the valve seats better when it shuts.

Once you have air in the tank, turn the water supply back on and then open a hot water faucet to vent out any excess air as it should be below the level of the water outlet connection. When air stops coming from the faucet, turn the water heater back on and that should take care of the problem.

Cliff

[Jake21]

I saw no water in ht ere lief valve, but I will check again and thanks for the reply.
J

[paz]

Water from the atmosphere will only condense on cool objects. It you have water coming from the area of your water heater, there is a leak somewhere.

If I saw water on the bottom of the outside compartment, my first suspicion would be the relief valve. It may sputter a little water, then the valve itself may dry fairly quickly because the valve is slightly warm. Therefore, you may not see evidence of any water in the valve outlet itself.

Other possibilities for a leak in the area of the outside compartment are the drain plug and where the electric heating element (if you have one) is screwed into the tank.

[Jake21]

OK, I am going to shut it off and let it cool down and see if any leak presents itself. Thanks for the replies. Will let you know.

J

[Jake21]

You guys nailed it. The pressure valve is leaking. Is this a standard 3/4 inch Home Depot grab?

Thanks,
J

[Jake21]

Well, i tried releasing a few cups of water out of the relief valve and the leak stopped. I will still change it out as I am sure it will probably start again in the future.
Thanks,
J

[jesilvas]

3/4 for suburban
1/2 for atwood

[paz]

Originally Posted by Jake21

You guys nailed it. The pressure valve is leaking. Is this a standard 3/4 inch Home Depot grab?

Thanks,
J

I think they come in different lengths. Pull the old one out and take it to the store with you.

[Jake21]

Thanks for the info.

J

[lhayes1]

I had to replace my relief valve also. It had a lot of calcium deposits on the seal keeping it from closing all the way.