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SW6DE water heater and outside frame sealing

GrandmasHome
Explorer
Explorer
What sealant do I put at the bottom junction of the outside frame/access door and the water heater housing to keep the weep from going to the frame? Right now, I switch on the propane for 10 minutes to heat - then shut off before fully heated so that the drip/weep from the pressure valve doesn't go between the water heater frame and the housing to the wood/steel frame of the RV.
GrandmasHome
5 REPLIES 5

sh410
Explorer
Explorer
From the Suburban water heater install manual:

WATER WEEPING OR DRIPPING FROM PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

You may experience water weeping or dripping from your water heaterโ€™s Pressure and Temperature (P & T ) Relief Valve when your water heater is operating. Water weeping or dripping from the P & T Valve does not always mean the P & T Valve is defective. As water is heated, it expands. The water system in a recreational vehicle is a closed system and does not allow for the expansion of heated water. When the pressure of the water system exceeds the relieving point of the P & T
Valve, the valve will relieve the excess pressure.

Suburban recommends that a check valve not be installed directly at the inlet to the water heater tank. This will increase weeping of the pressure relief valve.

WARNING! Do not remove or plug the relief valve.

One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain an air pocket at the top of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form in the tank by design. However, it will be reduced over time by the everyday use of your water heater.

To replenish this air pocket:
1. Turn off water heater.

2. Turn off cold water supply line.

3. Open a faucet in the RV.

4. Pull out on the handle of the Pressure Relief (P & T) Valve and allow water to flow from the valve until it stops.

5. Release handle on P & T Valve - it should snap closed.

6. Close faucet and turn on cold water supply; as the tank fills, the air pocket will develop.

Repeat this procedure as often as needed to reduce the frequency of the weeping of the P & T Valve. If the weeping persists after following this procedure, you may elect to install an expansion or accumulator tank in the cold water line between the tank and check valve to relieve the pressure caused by thermal expansion.

docnascar
Explorer
Explorer
Some weeping can be normal. If its excessive, see page 6 "Pressure relief valve" heading.
http://www.livinlite.com/pdf/service/wh/SW6D-SW6DE-SW6DM-SW6DEM-Installation.pdf
Tow Vehicle
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2017 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
6.0L gas. Double Cab


Travel Trailer
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2020 Grand Design 2400BH

Rvpapa
Explorer
Explorer
Why not fix it properly. Install an accumulator in the water line in the trailer and you won't have any more drips.
Art.

shooted
Explorer
Explorer
X2 on silicone. Silicone is easy to remove annually or as necessary to reseal. Other options might not clean up easily and will continuously build up over the years.

greende
Explorer II
Explorer II
Mine has clear silicone.
2011 Chevy 3500 HD LTZ Duramax/Allison Crew Cab Long Box DRW
B&W Turnover Ball with Companion

2012 Keystone Cougar 293 SAB 5er

USAF 1968 - 1972 Viet Nam '71 - '72