Forum Discussion

franxpace's avatar
franxpace
Explorer
Mar 17, 2014

Water heater

I have a new Alpine 3600RS. Anyone out there have any idea why the water heater causes water to leak? I noticed water leaking at the connection under the kitchen sink and at the heater compartment itself, just before the heater shuts off.
  • Thanks, Old biscuit. I followed your lead and it seems to have helped.
  • Air gap needs to be reestablished per O.B.s post above. Heated water needs to expand. If there's no air cushion, it will cause a drip out of the faucet, connections or relief valve. Agree with tightening connections but do not overtighten.
  • Water expands and pressure increases when it is heated.

    Connections are only hand tightened during production. Usually that is tight enough.....but sometimes not enough. Just tighten the connection (and check all the others under sinks, in any compartments etc.)

    If water is dripping from the Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) in the water heater outside access compartment.......then you need to establish the 'air gap'
    Turn water supply off
    Open closest faucet (Hot side) to relieve line pressure
    Open PRV via lever........when water stops running out let it snap close (caution water could be hot)
    Turn on water supply
    Close faucet

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Other than just poor connections you might want to investigate the water heater may be too full of water. There is suppose to be a small open area in the top of the water tank to allow for expansion when the water goes from cold to hot. I have no idea how that works but do read comments on here there has to be room for expansion.

    Maybe go on the outside and hit the relief valve a couple of times and drain off some water and see if the leaks quits???

    If its new I'd take it back to dealer...

    Roy Ken
  • Is that the only time they leak?
    Have you tried to tighten the connections?