Table of Contents
Advertisement
Section 8: Plumbing System
This "weeping" or dripping will continue until the pressure is reduced to below 150 pounds,
and the valve closes. This condition is normal and does not indicate a defective relief valve.
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 the everyday use of your water heater. To replenish this air pocket:
Turn off the water heater.
1.
Turn off the cold water supply line.
2.
3.
Open a faucet in the RV.
Pull out the handle of the pressure relief (P&T) valve and allow water to flow from the
4.
valve until it stops.
5.
Release the handle on the P&T valve - it should snap closed.
Close the faucet and turn on the cold water supply. As the tank fills, the air pocket will
develop. Repeat this procedure as often as needed to reduce the frequency of the weeping
P&T valve.
Maintenance
Do not allow the burner to burn with a yellow flame, or continue to operate the water heater
with an improper burner flame. Periodically, inspect the water heater vent for soot. Soot is
a sign of incomplete combustion and must be corrected before operating the water heater.
This is your visual warning that the water heater is operating in an unsafe manner. If soot
is present, immediately shut the unit down and contact your dealer or a qualified service
agency.
Periodically inspect the vent for obstructions. Do not terminate the vent on your water
heater inside of add-on rooms, screen porches or patios. Doing so will result in products of
combustion being vented into the rooms or occupied areas.
Draining and Winterization
If the recreation vehicle is to be stored over the winter months, the water heater must be
drained to prevent damage from freezing. Damage to the water heater caused by freezing
is not warrantable. It is recommended the water heater be drained and bypassed during the
winterization process, particularly if introducing RV antifreeze into the plumbing sys-
tem. Never drain the water heater when it is HOT or UNDER PRESSURE.
To drain the water heater:
Turn off electrical power to the water heater either at the switch from the electrical ele-
1.
ment of at the breaker.
Shut off the propane supply to the water heater.
2.
Turn off the water pump.
3.
4.
Open both hot and cold water faucets.
5.
Remove the anode rod from the tank.
For detailed information see the Winterizing the Plumbing System.
Tankless Water Heater (if so equipped)
The tankless water heater uses less LP gas than storage tank model water heaters since it
only uses energy when hot water is demanded. There is no pilot light to burn when no hot
water is needed. The tankless water heater supplies an unlimited supply of hot water on
demand (once lines are purged of standing water). As hot water is used, the cold water
enters the heater. A water flow sensor detects the flowing water and automatically ignites
the burner. Water circulates through the heat exchanger and is heated to the set temperature.
When the tap is closed, the unit shuts down.
The tankless water heater does not require an anode rod to prevent corrosion, or a by-pass
118
Table of Contents
Advertisement
Table of Contents
