Fresh water pump running

A

Arnold

Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2003
RO Number
12330
Messages
544
For the last couple of weekends when I have the electric water heater on and the water is hot, the fresh water pump runs intermittently.
After the water gets cold and the water heater is off, the pump does not run any more.
Any idea on what it could be would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
On the water heater there is this special valve. It's a pressue release valve designed to release pressure if too much builds up. They do go bad and I think they can be adjusted. You will see it on the water heater and you will see it release water now and then when it's hot. It shouldn't release water. It usually means heater is getting too hot or there is blockage and corrosion in it or something. I had one valve go bad and replaced it with a new valve.

Here is a good article about it:

http://www.boats.com/blog/2011/05/water-heater-relief-valves/
 
CurrentSea, good thought, that's the only thing it could be.
 
Never try to adjust relief valves. Replace it. Any hardware store sells them for less than 20.00.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatcomfort

Never try to adjust relief valves. Replace it. Any hardware store sells them for less than 20.00.

Click to expand...

You can not use a hardware store relief valve! Read the link posted. Hardware store valve is rated at 150 psi. Raritan valve is rated at 75 psi. Your boat plumbing system is not designed to handle 150 psi & will let go before the store valve will.
Al
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatcomfort

Never try to adjust relief valves. Replace it. Any hardware store sells them for less than 20.00.

Click to expand...


I might be mistaken on the adjustment. I thought they spun around and that would change the pressure setting but makes sense you can't.

Just replace it and see if it fixes it. May want to consider descaling unit somehow.
 
It's pretty easy to tell if the TP valve is leaking. Look for signs of water under it. Better yet, place a container under it for a while. If you find water, that's the problem. If not, that is not the problem.

Keep in mind that this is a safety valve, designed to release water if it's too hot or there's too much pressure. If the water heater thermostat is defective and not cutting off when the correct temperature is reached, the TP valve will open to protect the tank from possibly exploding.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top