Water Heater Check Valve/Pressure Release?

[Lookaway]

I'm not sure if its a check valve or pressure release valve that is leaking
just outside my electric water heater. So, can anyone tell me what is is? And where I might find a replacement.

 

[JIM B]

On my 1989 C30 there is no check valve between the water heater and the sinks. I do not see one on the drawings in the technical library at the C30 Owners Assoc .
http://www.catalina30.com/TechLib/PartsManual/Systems.pdf
On my water heater the pressure release valve is pretty easy to see and determine weather it is leaking or not. Your profile dosen't say what year your boat is - don't know how similiar it is to mine. On my boat it is not difficult to check the fittings, the only hard source of a leak to locate is if the heater itself begins to leak.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[Lookaway]

The part belongs to a 1987 Catalina

Jim, after looking at the PDF file, it seems my heater is the box type, not round. I just send off an em to the manufacturer to see if they can help. My next step will be to disconnect the see if there some grit holding it open.

 

[JIM B]

It sounds like I misunderstood your question. Apperantly you know the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve. I am quessing the water heater is made by Seaward. If that is the case they are really good people to deal with. I have had good luck calling them - don't know about email though.
I would be interested to know if the replacment pressure release valve must come from them or can be purchased from a plumbing supply store.

 

[Lookaway]

Me too. I went to their website and they don't list any part that looks like it. So my guess is that you're right and it might be a add-on. Either way, when I hear from the manufacturer, I'll post their reply. Thanks for the help.

 

[Alchemist]

Your heater is most likely (as Jim B indicated) manufactured by Seaward Marine Products. The pressure relief valve is not an add-on, and frequently as the boat gets oder will begin to leak. CALL them on the phone. The phone number is on their web site. I had the same problem with the heater on my C-380, and they sent one out pronto (it cost a few bucks, but not excessive).

You may be able to find one at a plumbing supply store, but the pressure / temperature relief valve on your water heater is rated at a higher temperature than for most domestic water heaters (your engine has a thermostat set at 185 deg. F, and the water in your water heater will approach that when you have powered for an hour or more).

Steve
Alchemist C-30T #4764
Alchemist C-320 #909
Alchemist C-380T #71