surburban hot water tank pressure valve will not shut

[billyray50]

Hey All, After getting the water system ready for season noticed the anode plug slightly leaking. tried to tighten gently but still leaking. Shut pump off and battery, opened up faucets in bathroom then tried to open release valve to relieve some pressure. It was very difficult and noticed it is very rusty. Loosened and removed anode while the water drained out from water tank. Anode head was all rusted too but rod was not too bad. Looked like one of those Camco versions. Removed old pipe tape and put new tape on and installed it and fill up hot water tank. Still leaked. Decided to replace anode with suburban brand. Installed anode this morning and filled the hot water tank up till hot water faucet started to run in bathroom. Shut hot water handle off and heard a lot of running water. Went out and saw the pressure relief valve just gushing out like a water hose?? The release valve does not seem to be closing? Should I just replace the pressure release valve? Looks like it is the 1998 original. P.S. never lit it up while doing this.

[billyray50]

Well my new pressure relief valve install went smooth and thanks for all replies. However I installed a new anode, a suburban, wrapped it with pipe tape for 4 or 5 times and after a few days it seems that it is weeping a little. Slight little 2 inch puddle. I tighten it down pretty good. I have installed anodes in 3 other campers before with no problems. It looks like the area around anode on the hot water tank which is a soft to touch circle around maybe weeping and not the threaded inlet? Should I take out anode and use tape and pipe dope? Is it the area around threaded inlet?

[Joe417]

FYI.

I don't know whether all drains are 3/4" or not but the pressure reliefs come in 1/2" and 3/4". I had to have one a few years ago and the only thing available was a 3/4". I then ended up buying a reducer. It worked fine, just a little more trouble.

Good luck with it.

[calamus]

I always use 4 wraps with teflon tape and then pipe dope. They pipe size is 3/4" they are all the same for the T and p valve and your anode rod should be the same I have seen a few that had drains that were different size but most are all 3/4. Good luck with it

[popeyemth]

You don't need to wait at all.
Look close at the valve you should be able to get a box end wrench on it.

[billyray50]

Thanks to all for replies and thanks mike. How long a wait for pipe dope before I can test for leaks?

[popeyemth]

Yes the valve just unscrews.
I'd use pipe dope on the threads.
Good Luck, Mike

[billyray50]

I assume i have to take exhaust vent cover off. Does it just come off with pipe wrench? When installing new should you use pipe dope or teflon tape?

[Old-Biscuit]

Yes that vintage.........replace it.

Take the old one out and match thread size (S/B 125/150 PSI--210*F)

[popeyemth]

They are less than $10 bucks.
Don't bet ruining a good weekend on it, go to a plumbing supply and replace it.
Good Luck, Mike