Overflow Valve

[ECR]

Hello -

I've noticed that our overflow valve on our hot water heater has a steady drip most days. I keep a sponge in the locker to absorb the overflow and it can drain at the bilge.

Is this normal or is something wrong with the valve?

It's not a large amount of water just a steady drip, so I don't keep anything I don't want wet in that locker.

I can send a picture if that's helpful.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[BB marine]

It is not an over flow valve. It is a pressure release valve and probably has some crud stuck in the seat. Or it is bad. A easy quick way to clean the seat is. Turn the HW off ,let the water cool. open the hot water faucet until you feel cool water coming out. Thread a house fitting into the relieve valve outlet, Have the Fresh water pump on and lift the relieve valve lever, water will start coming out under pump pressure, let go of the lever so the relieve valve spring seats the valve. Do this a few times. This will help clean the seat so it doesn't leak. If it still Leaks replace the relieve valve.

 

[doke01]

Agree with Brian. This is what I do as well.

 

[ALICE J]

You might want to check the flooring under or near for signs of rot. If you see brown liquid coming from the scuppers or a brown stain, think about a project of replacing the flooring with PVC board, 3/4 inch. I stepped on the flooring and pushed right through. 😱 😳

 

[ECR]

Thanks Brian.

By “house fitting” do you just mean a hose? I think the valve is 1/2 inch.

Also, If I need to replace it - can I order the valve directly from Ranger Tugs?

Thanks - super helpful!

ER

 

[BB marine]

Pipe fitting with a hose, Yes. You may be able to get the relieve valve from Ranger Tug. Or remove the valve and it should have a pressure rating and temperature rating on it. Just replace it with like kind. That should not be hard to find on line.

Examples,
https://www.defender.com/images/500181.jpg
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... ZqWG824HZv

 

[ECR]

Great - Thank you!

 

[knotflying]

You may need a basin wrench to turn it out. https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-...Dz34-ABABUSDwjWYnC0aAtLoEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[ECR]

Thanks for the link to the wrench...I wasn’t sure how to get that valve out.

 

[knotflying]

You may want to spray a little PB blaster near the threads and let it sit overnight. Having a pipe wrench that you can place on the basin wrench shaft will also give you more leverage if needed.