Forum Discussion

Esacnj's avatar
Esacnj
Explorer
Mar 04, 2020

Water Heater Relief Device

Is it normal for pressure relief valve/device to release small amount of water periodically?
  • I had the same problem with my Suburban WH and no procedure worked to fix it. There is nothing wrong with your valve most likely, it is a design issue with the water heater IMO. Suburban knows it’s a problem, says so in their manual, and has no plans to correct this feature. I struggled with this issue for four years and finally took Suburbans work around their problem solution.The only solution is to install a small pressure tank inline with the water heater. The pressure created by the heating of the water is absorbed by the tank and not blown out the relief valve.

    I never had this pressure relief issue with an Atwood in five other motorhomes.
  • OUR suburban was doing the drip from the relief valve , did a complte flush ,no help, changed the thermostat , fifteen minute job , no more issues
  • "1- open and close the valve a few times, sometimes a small piece of debris will be stuck there allowing for a leak."

    We think too much alike!
  • "We think too much alike!"

    for the most part... Who knows, perhaps your my long lost brother from the other coast ! :-)
  • ford truck guy wrote:
    I have found over the years that IF they start leaking there usually are 2 ways to go ( in my eyes)
    1- open and close the valve a few times, sometimes a small piece of debris will be stuck there allowing for a leak..
    2- more likely you will have to replace the valve, which is quick, easy and painless.


    That’s the first thing I did, open and close. Mine had just got bad would not seal . Yes it’s easy and inexpensive to replace . I didn’t mess with mine much , just replaced it .
  • Once tripped, they will often leak a bit. My trailer is an outdoor dog, so it’s not a big deal. If you are anal, replace it — and in due time, it too will dribble.