Cougar Water Heater

[Campnfireman]

We have a 2014 Cougar 330RBK. We have just wrapped up our camping season for the year with 23 nights camped in it since May. I have noticed since we got it that when we take a shower the relief valve on the water heater apparently opens causing water to leak down the side of the camper. I haven't really been too concerned with this until a friend on this past trip said that it shouldn't be doing that unless there is too much pressure or too much heat. I was just wondering if I should take it in for warranty work or am I doing something wrong or is this just normal. I only have till May to get all my warranty work in place and done.

[bobbecky]

This is a normal thing when there is not an air pocket at the top of the water heater. The unit needs to be drained down, at least below the TP valve, and that will stop the dribble of water. This is per the Suburban manual. I noticed on ours, when using both gas and electric at the same time, this will happen, but never see when only using electric by itself.

[Festus2]

The leaking from the PR valve can be stopped by purging the tank which will re-establish the air pocket in the HW tank.

You can do this by:
1) Turning off the WH and the cold water supply line.
2) Open a faucet in the RV and pull on the handle of the PR valve and allow water to flow from the valve until it stops,
3) Release the handle.
4) Turn off the faucet in the RV and turn on the cold water supply.

As the tank fills, an air pocket will form.

You may have to repeat these steps if the dripping should reoccur as the air pocket may start to reduce over time.