Murphy's water heater pressure release valve was leaking into the exterior water heater compartment, pooling and making a mess. To solve this problem Murphy modified his system to vent the excess water overboard.
He used a sprinkler fitting to screw into the pressure release valve and then inserted a plastic tube. He cut an opening into the mesh screen and routed the tube through the opening.
I'll let Murphy tell you in his own words about the modification, "It is a gray fitting that has threads on the end that screws into the water heater, a barbed nipple on the other end. I did not use the barbs on the nipple, I put the hose into it rather than over the barbs. I did this so if the pressure release got too great it would push the hose out rather than create a safety concern (the pressure valve not able to bleed off at full volume). I got the fitting at ahardware store, used on sprinkler systems."
Going overboard to bring you the best RV innovations - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
7 comments:
Another way to solve this problem and not waste hot water is to install a small expansion tank in any water line. They cost about $35 at Camping world. This problem occurs when there is no longer an air cushion on top of the water heater and when the heater comes on it causes the water to expand and if there is no where for the water to expand, then the releif valve begins to dribble. Also you won't be compromising the outlet of the relif valve as it needs the full size of the outlet for any piping attached to it.
or you can renew the air cushion on top of the tank.
1. turn off water supply
2. open any 2 hot water faucets in the coach
3. open pressure relief valve until water stops flowing
4. close the pressure relief valve and the 2 faucets
5. turn water back on. done. works every time.
Or...you can drain your hot water tank and re-establish the air pocket in the hot water tank. Over time, that air pocket fills with water and lessens the size of the natural air pocket. Once you fill your tank back up do NOT open the pressure relief valve! That releases the air from the newly established air pocket. Once you've refilled your tank the dripping will go away.
I have had the same problem. I believe it is caused by calcium buildup on the pressure relief valve seat allowing water to seep. I cycle the valve using the test lever which breaks up the calcium allowing the valve to seal. No leak. If you do this a couple of times a year, no problem.
Good Luck
Roger H
buy a new releif valve at home depot and replace the falty one.
I have a 2009 Keystone Sprinter same thing, blow off valve drips. dealer replaced it 3 times,after a couple days it begins to drip again.They say it's a batch of bad valve's. Going to Lowe's to buy one.
Dave B
I agree with the last comment, it would be safer and quicker to replace the Relief Valve. I carry a spare relief valve and a spare Annode Bar with me all of the time. Always drain my system when I return from a trip so I do not leave the Camp Ground water in my Coach. This keeps the system flushed out and stops any build up on the PR Valve.
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