Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4
It's common but I wouldn't say normal. Is this when you're running on electric or gas or both? On electric it can be a sign you need to replace the element. But the most common cause I've seen is the pressure relief valve. Try opening the pressure relief briefly (not when the water is hot!) and closing it.
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As Robert reported, the pressure relief valve can be the culprit. If it whines or drips a little it’s probably because of a little corrosion or a very small piece of grit on the faces of the valve. Since you can’t exactly “get at” the face, with pressure off the tank and water cold you can flip the lever on top of the valve to open it and then twist it a few degrees to the right and left. This may dislodge or “grind off” the tiny piece of grit. Flip the lever back and once
The heater is filled with water, fire it up and watch and listen as it
Makes temperature. If there is air or water still coming out of the valve and it bothers you, you can install a new valve. It’s also ok to lubicate the valve shaft with a little silicone or polymer spray to make flipping the lever a little easier. We had numerous hot water heaters where I used to work and we would “exercise the valves” on a periodic basis and it seemed to help. The valve is located at the top of the tank, on the outside of the camper behind the slotted shield. Basically in line with the Anode rod but at the top of the heater. Be careful around hot pressurized water, scalding is for dressing poultry.
Iowa Dave