Water heater help!

[theluckyones]

Hi everyone! We have a 1982 Fleetwood Regal Prowler travel trailer. My girlfriend and I travel a lot but are living in it a majority of the time, making it our main household until our permanent long term house is complete. My question is this:

We had returned from a week long trip, before we left I turned off the water and propane as we always do. But upon our return, after turning on the water, the pilot light for the water heater, etc. it began to leak without our knowing.

The next morning my girlfriend noticed the valve above the temp control on our water heater was pouring water out. I understand this is not uncommon, but it would not stop coming out, at a significant rate and amount. It has caused water to leak into our trailer, on and around the new floors we just installed, and pretty much everywhere.

What are the potential causes of these symptoms? As we do use this as our home, any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[marjoa]

Originally Posted by theluckyones

But upon our return, after turning on the water, the pilot light for the water heater, etc. it began to leak without our knowing.

The next morning my girlfriend noticed the valve above the temp control on our water heater was pouring water out. I understand this is not uncommon, but it would not stop coming out, at a significant rate and amount.

Oh boy! Oh boy! How disheartening about those new floors. OMG.

Ok so......

"my girlfriend noticed the valve above the temp control on our water heater was pouring water out"

So here's my question:
Is this the high pressure valve that's leaking? (see attached image) Can you please take a picture of the guilty valve and upload please so we can see. And also when you upload the photo give us context what we're looking at and where exactly it's located. If it is the high pressure valve then yes, they commonly malfunction and are easily replaceable from Home Depot.

JIC...To attach photos when you make a post:
Right below where you type your post/reply are "additional options". In that area there is a "attach files" section with a manage attachment button. Click that button and a little window will open up where you can find your photos, attach them, then click "upload". Then go back up to your post and click "Submit Reply". Your photos will then show up with your post.

[George Schweikle]

If your problem is the high pressure valve, these can sometimes be hard to access for removal. Spending $10 or so for the special socket can make the job much easier. You will know immediately if you need such a gadget when you attempt to remove the old valve.

Originally Posted by marjoa

.... Is this the high pressure valve that's leaking? Can you please take a picture of the guilty valve and upload please so we can see. And also when you upload the photo give us context what we're looking at and where exactly it's located. If it is the high pressure valve then yes, they commonly malfunction and are easily replaceable from Home Depot....

[Old-Biscuit]

IF the valve you are asking about IS the Temp/Press Relief Valve.....they OPEN when water temp has reached 210*F or pressure has built up to 150 psi.
Only way for that to occur is the Water Heater T-stats have failed
Normal T-stat controls heating cycles...typically Open (stop heating) at 130*F/140*F---then allow for heating when water temp cools to 100*F/110*F
High Temp T-stat shuts down ALL heating should Normal T-sat fail..Trips at 170*F/180*F
T&P Relief Valve is the end line safety to prevent catastrophic failure


When they OPEN HOT water should blow out to EXTERIOR of RV
Should NOT be ANY water leaking into INTERIOR of RV


So you have several issues
Normal T-stat
High Temp T-stat
T&P Relief Valve

AND HOW did the water get INSIDE RV




Post BRAND/MODEL OF WATER HEATER

[rcnuts]

Im a mechanical contractor and deal with those valves often. T and P valves are used on water heaters and hot water boilers, although they will open at different temps and pressures for the different appliances. They do go bad sometimes and have to be replaced. Over time the internal spring weakens and you know the rest. If access is limited it will be more difficult to remove the bad valve. If your not comfortable doing plumbing work it would be best to hire someone. You dont need an RV specialist for that repair. Call a plumber.
Harris

[Old-Biscuit]

Suburban uses a 3/4" NPT threaded T&P


Atwood used 1/2" and 3/4" NPT threaded T&P


Some disassembly of other components on either brand make it easier to access the T&P for R/R.....


By now OP should have done repairs. ????