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05-23-2021, 10:19 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 27
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Water Heater Leak
I have a suburban water heater. We went from phx Az to Jackson Wy. I always turn the gas and electric on for the heater. I noticed it was leaking. I had replaced the pressure relief valve and anode rod in last 6-8 months, removed the air pockets etc.
However, i decided to turn the electric off and see what happens. It stopped leaking.
Does it get too hot or did altitude cause issue? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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05-23-2021, 10:46 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,899
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The water system is a closed system, it can not absorb pressure increases from heating the water, so, if there isn’t an air pocket at the top of the water heater, the only way to release the excess pressure is by the pressure relief valve to open and drain some water. It is working correctly, no replacement is needed, and you don’t want to install a higher pressure relief valve or you will risk damaging the plumbing.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
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05-23-2021, 11:21 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,237
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When you replaced things, what method did you use to refill the tank?
If you opened the pressure relief valve until you saw water , you lost the air gap.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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05-25-2021, 08:38 AM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Parker
Posts: 39
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The pressure relief valve in a RV gets used a lot. They never really trip in home units, but all the time in RVs. You should open them to purge the air out of the water heater every time you fill it up after it was drained. It's a tiny sealed system & water expands when heated. So it will either spike the pressure & possibly blow lines, or make the pressure relief valve work. If it keeps leaking, you may want to manually trip the valve so it will wash out any debris that may be causing it to not seal properly (caution the valve & water coming out will be hot). If it doesn't stop dripping slightly on its own after 10-30 minutes it may need attention. If it does stop before 30 minutes or so, that's normal.
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05-25-2021, 08:49 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dkentaz65
I have a suburban water heater. We went from phx Az to Jackson Wy. I always turn the gas and electric on for the heater. I noticed it was leaking. I had replaced the pressure relief valve and anode rod in last 6-8 months, removed the air pockets etc.
However, i decided to turn the electric off and see what happens. It stopped leaking.
Does it get too hot or did altitude cause issue? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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Actually.... YES ..... but it isn't a big deal... however, the only time you need both is when taking a LONG shower or back to back showers.. then turn on the gas side... otherwise the electric is plenty..
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
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05-25-2021, 09:53 AM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Devin_Noel
The pressure relief valve in a RV gets used a lot. They never really trip in home units, but all the time in RVs. You should open them to purge the air out of the water heater every time you fill it up after it was drained. It's a tiny sealed system & water expands when heated. So it will either spike the pressure & possibly blow lines, or make the pressure relief valve work. If it keeps leaking, you may want to manually trip the valve so it will wash out any debris that may be causing it to not seal properly (caution the valve & water coming out will be hot). If it doesn't stop dripping slightly on its own after 10-30 minutes it may need attention. If it does stop before 30 minutes or so, that's normal.
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Purging the air WILL CAUSE IT TO LEAK. The pocket of air is necessary to allow the water to expand when heated. The Suburban WH manual clearly states this. The proper way to purge the hot water line is to open the water faucets while the tank is filling and close them when the air and water stop "spitting" and a steady stream of water flows.
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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