Water heater use

[paulmlac]

One other thing too.

When water does come out the pressure relief valve (water pump off, hot water tap on), it feels like there is some resistance when I lift the valve.

When water does not come out the pressure relief valve (water pump on, hot water tap off), it feels like there is no resistance when I lift the valve. I can just freely flip it up & down with my pinky.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Sounds like your pressure relief valve is clogged which is pretty rare.
IF you get hot water out a faucet but not out the safety valve it must
be clogged somehow.

OP gets water out of the PR valve when the pump is off, so the PR valve wouldn't be clogged. Something is definitely amiss as none of this makes sense.

[Herk7769]

Bad valve I am thinking.
This is dangerous and your valve needs to be replaced.

[KyDan]

Less than $10 at Home Depot and also available at most any larger
hardware store and plumbing supply or home center.
3/4 in. Cast-Brass FPT 150 lb. Temperature and Pressure Valve-100XL at The Home Depot

Be sure and use plenty of teflon tape or oatey pipe dope with teflon on the
threads of the new valve.
And always remember-- Lefty-loosey Righty-tighty

[paulmlac]

OP here -

Just so I understand, it sounds like water should come out the pressure relief valve anytime I lift the little finger switch so long as there is water in the heater.

So when I'm just sitting in a campground, using the fresh tank, water pump is on, water heater is on, if I lift the finger switch on the pressure relief valve, water should come out then right?

Should it be immediate or do I need to hold the finger switch up for awhile?

I have only lifted the finger switch for a second or two, not sure if I need to wait longer.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by paulmlac

OP here -

Just so I understand, it sounds like water should come out the pressure relief valve anytime I lift the little finger switch so long as there is water in the heater.

So when I'm just sitting in a campground, using the fresh tank, water pump is on, water heater is on, if I lift the finger switch on the pressure relief valve, water should come out then right?

Should it be immediate or do I need to hold the finger switch up for awhile?

I have only lifted the finger switch for a second or two, not sure if I need to wait longer.

Should be immediately when the lever is lifted.

[Road-King]

Originally Posted by paulmlac

OP here -

Just so I understand, it sounds like water should come out the pressure relief valve anytime I lift the little finger switch so long as there is water in the heater.

With either;

Water in the FW tank and the water pump "on"
-or-
Hooked up to city water and the water turned on at the outdoor water spigot

When you pull the pressure release valve, you will get air until the HW tank is full of water. Then you should get water whenever you pull it, if one of the first two conditions are still met...

[KyDan]

If you can open a hot faucet inside and get water immediately you should
also be able to pull up on the water heater pressure relief valve and
immediately get water.