Water heater

[SlickWillie]

We had been having a problem with the safety valve on the water heater weeping a little at times. Then a few days ago, it would not ignite on gas. So, in anticipation of a planned dealer visit tomorrow, I just switched over to the electric element. Guess what. The safety valve no longer leaks. Makes me think the gas might have been overheating the tank. Any thoughts?

[azstar]

Hi Will,

I do believe the expansion of the water will be greater on gas. It does make the water hotter than when on Elect. At least that's our experience.

Many years ago I read an article about the need for a little air bubble in the top of our water tanks. The bubble compresses as the water heats up keeping the overall tank pressure lower that it would be without a bubble. Lower pressure is not only beneficial to the life of our tank but also reduces the leak problem at the safety valve.

This article recommended that we purposely leave some air in our water hose when setting up. Then slowly open a hot water fauset and leave it on until the air stops coming thru. This refreshes the bubble in the tank, that is lost over time.

This made sense to me so when I think of it that's what I do.

Happy Camping,
Steve