Managing your camper hot water heater pressure relief valve
When you've noticed a little puddle forming on the ground right beneath your exterior utility -panel, your camper hot water heater pressure relief valve might be attempting to inform you something. It's among those tiny components that many associated with us don't think about until we observe water dripping where it shouldn't be, but it's really one of the most important safety measures in your whole rig. Whether you're a full-timer or a weekend soldier, understanding how this particular little brass valve works can save you plenty of head ache and potentially a very expensive maintenance bill down the particular road.
Exactly what is this thing and why does it drip?
Most people call it up the P& Capital t valve, which means pressure and heat. Its job can be quite straightforward: if the particular pressure inside your own water heater container gets way too high, or even if the water gets dangerously hot, the valve jumps open to allow some of that tension out. Without this, your water heater could theoretically turn into a small rocket, which isn't what you want whenever you're trying to enjoy a peaceful night at the campground.
Now, in case you see it dripping, don't panic immediately. A small amount of weeping is actually considerably normal under specific conditions. When water heats up, it expands. In a closed system such as your camper's plumbing, that expanding water needs somewhere to go. Usually, there's a little pocket of air at the top of the container that acts just like a cushion to absorb that expansion. In the event that that air wallet disappears—which happens normally over time—the pressure has nowhere to visit but out with the relief valve.
The air pocket trick
Just before you go out in order to the RV offer store to buy a replacement, you should try the "air pocket" fix. This is a classic shift that solves about 80% of leaking valve issues. Considering that the air in the top of the tank will get absorbed to the water over weeks of use, you simply need to put it back.
Initial, turn off your own water heater (both gas and electric) and then let the water fascinating down. You really don't want to be messing with this particular when the water is 140 levels. Turn off your own city water link or your water pump. Open a faucet inside the camper to allow the pressure out from the lines.
Once that's done, go outside plus pull the handle on your camper hot water heater pressure relief valve . Water will possibly gurgle out. Maintain it open until the water stops flowing. Then, let the particular lever snap shut. If you turn your water back on and refill the tank, a fresh pocket of surroundings will naturally be trapped at the top. Quite often, that's all it will take to stop an irritating drip.
Understanding when it's period for a substitute
Sometimes, the air pocket trick doesn't work. In the event that you've reset the particular air cushion as well as the valve is nevertheless steadily leaking, or if it's crusty with white calcium supplement deposits, it's possibly reached the finish of its lifestyle. These valves possess a spring inside that may weaken over period, or maybe the rubber seal off could get "set" within a way that will it won't chair properly anymore.
If you see a lot of deterioration around the strings or if the lever feels trapped and won't budge when you pull on it, that's a significant red banner. A stuck valve is a dangerous valve. It's preferable to spend twenty bucks on a brand-new one than to risk the container over-pressurizing. Luckily, changing one isn't a job you need a professional plumber for; if you possibly can use a wrench plus some plumber's tape, you're pretty much more than the finish series.
Deciding on the best valve for your rig
You'll generally find two major brands of water heaters in campers: Atwood (now Dometic) and Suburban. They use slightly various setups, but the camper hot water heater pressure relief valve itself is definitely usually a regular size. Most associated with them are 3/4-inch or 1/2-inch NPT threads.
The most essential thing is in order to look into the rating on your old valve. There's usually a little metal label or some engraving on the body from the valve that informs you the POUND-FORCE PER SQUARE INCH (pounds per rectangle inch) and the particular temperature rating. Generally, it's 150 PSI and 210 degrees F. Don't just grab the first one the truth is on the shelf; make sure the specifications match what the manufacturer intended for your particular tank.
Tips on how to swap it away yourself
In the event that you've decided the old valve is toast, the replacement procedure is fairly quick. Again, make certain the water is usually cold and the particular pressure is off. Drain the container a minimum of halfway therefore you don't obtain a face filled with water when a person unscrew the old valve.
You'll require a big crescent wrench or even a socket that will fits the valve body. Give it a great turn counter-clockwise. They may be a little bit stubborn if they've been sitting presently there for five many years, so you may need a little muscle. Once it's away, clean the threads around the tank starting. You don't desire old tape or even gunk interfering with the new seal.
Wrap some Teflon tape (the white or yellow plumber's tape) about the threads of your new camper hot water heater pressure relief valve . Bypass about three or even four times within a clockwise direction. This ensures that as you screw the valve in, the particular tape stays limited instead of unravelling. Screw it in by hand first to make sure you aren't cross-threading it, then tighten it down with your wrench. You desire it snug, yet don't go crazy—over-tightening can crack the tank bung.
Maintenance and safety tips
It's a good habit to "exercise" your relief valve every single few months. Simply a quick pull of the lever to make sure it's moving openly and letting water out is enough. This particular prevents mineral accumulation from locking the particular valve in position. Simply be careful—if you do this while the particular water is hot, it will spray out there with a lot associated with force. I do it while I'm flushing the tank during my annual maintenance.
Speaking of flushing, in the event that you have difficult water, those nutrients are the enemy of your relief valve. They can get stuck in the seal, causing it to prevent quite close right. If you find yourself replacing valves constantly, you might want in order to look into a portable water softener with regard to your camper. It'll save your water heater, your sinks, and your pores and skin.
Wrapping things up
Dealing with a camper hot water heater pressure relief valve isn't one of the most glamorous part of RV ownership, but it's one of those essential duties that keeps your home on wheels secure. A dripping valve is generally just a sign that you need to restore your air pocket, but if it's truly broken, it's an easy and cheap fix.
Keep close track of that outside panel during your own walk-arounds. In case you notice signs of moisture or white crusty buildup, take care of it sooner rather than afterwards. It's a lot easier in order to fix a valve while you're left in your drive than it is usually when you're midway through a cross-country trip and understand you've run away of hot water since the tank can't hold pressure. Stay on top associated with it, and your own water heater will certainly keep providing these nice hot showers for years ahead.