Hot Water Relief Valve Drip Normal?
When the electric heat to the hot water tank is on, there is a slight drip from the hot water heater relief valve. We do not know if it happens with Propane heat. Is this normal or is there a prob...
Forum Discussion
The valve could be bad, or more likely, the air cushion at the top of the tank may be gone.
Water, like most things expands as it is heated. Water is non-compressible. So water heaters are designed to have an air pocket at the top to absorb increased pressure. If no air pocket, it is normal for the valve to leak.
To re-establish the air pocket, turn off water pump, turn off shore water. Bleed off pressure by opening any faucet (cold and hot). Leave the faucets open and remove the water heater drain plug. After draining, replace plug (Atwood) or anode (Suburban). Turn on pressure water or shore water and use as usual.
Water, like most things expands as it is heated. Water is non-compressible. So water heaters are designed to have an air pocket at the top to absorb increased pressure. If no air pocket, it is normal for the valve to leak.
To re-establish the air pocket, turn off water pump, turn off shore water. Bleed off pressure by opening any faucet (cold and hot). Leave the faucets open and remove the water heater drain plug. After draining, replace plug (Atwood) or anode (Suburban). Turn on pressure water or shore water and use as usual.
