Water leaking from Suburban 12g water heater pressure relief valve

[bertschb]

I noticed water on the ground recently under our Suburban water heater. On one occasion, there was a pretty good sized pool of water 18" in diameter. I removed the cover and saw that it was dripping from the pressure relief valve. Great. Now what? I didn't find anything here on the forum discussing this so I did some research and learned this is "normal". According to the Suburban owners manual:

One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain an air pocket at the top of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form in the tank by design. However, it will be reduced over time by every day use of the water heater.

To replenish this air pocket:
1- Turn off water heater
2- Turn off cold water supply line
3- Open a faucet in the RV
4- Pull out on the handle of the pressure relief valve and allow water to flow out until it stops
5- Release handle on pressure relief valve
6- Close faucet in RV and turn cold water supply back on

As the tank fills, an air pocket will develop.

If I remember (slim chance), I'll report back in a week or so to let you know if this actually worked and the relief valve is no longer leaking.

[Wicked ace]

I'm surprised they tell you to lift the tab of the relief valve. From experience with domestic hot water relief valves popping the valve usually leads to weeping like you have now. The relief valve in your Suburban water heater is no different than than a domestic water heater. The weeping is caused by thermal expansion of the water in the tank. You might think about installing an expansion tank on the hot supply side piping.

[el Rojo]

Brian this is a common maintenance issue that occurs on all water heaters. When the water in the tank is cool lift and shut the valve a couple of times...this should help but will not last for long. Your due for a replacement valve in the near future.

Red

[bertschb]

...Your due for a replacement valve in the near future.

Sheesh, the valve is only six months old. The "fix" I described in my previous post only lasted for a few days BTW.

[bertschb]

Well, I ordered a new valve. It leaks about a 1/2 cup of water each day. The temporary "fix" of draining water from the tank to replenish the air bubble no longer works.