Water heater relief valve

[witchcraft]

I filled all the tanks, have the water heater valve in the right direction but when I push the relief valve on the water heater nothing comes out. I am thinking it is not filled up but don't know why. Any ideas?

[MtnGuy]

You need to pull the lever towards you.

You do have pressure on the system, correct......you have water coming out of the faucets ??

If that doesn't work, then maybe the bypass valves aren't exactly right.

[LadyWindrider]

Well, did you turn all the valves behind the water heater? Could still be in winterize mode, water heater bypassed. Don't light it or turn on the electric element until you have water out of the pop off valve.

[witchcraft]

Thanks guys. I have water in all faucets and can find only one valve which is in the right position. Could there be only one valve?

[Triguy]

It's possible. Do you mind telling us what trailer, 5er or MH you have? Maybe someone with your exact model can help.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by witchcraft

Thanks guys. I have water in all faucets and can find only one valve which is in the right position. Could there be only one valve?

A photo of the water lines going into and out of your water heater would be good if you can get a camera in there.

[witchcraft]

It is a 2005 Wildwood 26' travel trailer. Water heater is suburban. Here is a picture of the only valve I can find and I have torn everything apart but still no water coming out of relief valve

[OldCoot]

Will the valve turn 180 degrees the other way? If not, I would try removing the relief valve, it may be defective.

[Herk7769]

I believe the valve is positioned correctly. It only will turn 90 degrees so it points UP when winterized. There is a one way check valve at the top of the heater and that 3 way valve.

We just worked this problem and here was the solution:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ter-21441.html

[OldCoot]

Herk, I think he said he is getting water from every faucet, but nothing out of the relief valve, suggesting the tank is not filling.

[crocus]

The OP said he is getting water out of all of his faucets, so the hot water tank is obviously filling. The relief valve may be plugged?

[Herk7769]

If there is water coming out under pressure from the HOT water faucet, yet it is not hot AND there is no water or air coming out of the hot water heater relief valve when it is opened, then the bypass valve has to be the problem (clogged or broken).

Or there is a multiple malfunction; which is possible but unlikely.

[OldCoot]

Don't think OP has turned the water heater on yet, he is wanting to make sure it is full before starting it.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by crocus

The OP said he is getting water out of all of his faucets, so the hot water tank is obviously filling. The relief valve may be plugged?

I thought about this too. If the outside or inside shower faucets were both open and the shower handle was shut off; cold water would enter the hot water pipes allowing both faucets to show water pressure without having the tank filled. (valve in the correct non-bypass position)

If the pressure relief valve was plugged, as the only malfunction, hot water would still flow out the faucets; just not out the relief valve.

So, no hot water; cold water under pressure at the hot water tap; and no water/air at the relief valve is quite the conundrum.

I would be cracking the "B" nut just prior to the bypass valve to make sure there was water there. Replacing the valve may do the trick. I think a clogged bypass valve might be the problem.

[OldCoot]

Bottom line, either the bypass valve is clogged/defective or the relief valve is plugged. Fastest, easiest and least messy thing to do is remove relief valve.

[OldCoot]

Evidently we lost the OP witchcraft, he evidently went to work on it or got tired of reading all the posts.

[witchcraft]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm convinced there is only one bypass valve so I'll look at the relief valve then replace the bypass if necessary. Had water to all faucets and showers were not the issue. Couldn't do it without all your help.

[witchcraft]

Thanks to all of you. It was a stripped valve (and there is only one) that somehow got broken. Replaced it and everything works fine. Thanks again.

[MtnGuy]

Great that you got if fixed and not a major problem.

[Oakman]

Thanks for coming back to let everyone know what the solution was.