Hot water heater problem

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:22 am

My 1982 Bertram 33 SF has a Seaward hot water heater. Even though I have it switched off at the control panel, while underway I learned that water is still be heated by one of the engines heat exchangers. This is pretty clever because you immediately have hot water when you get to where you're going. The problem I have is if you have your fresh water system turned on while underway, eventually hot water will start coming out of the Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve. (I found this out after I stopped, went in the cabin, heard the pump running, pulled the hatch and had 2" of hot, steamy water in the forward bilge.) Has anyone had this problem and can I fix it by simply replacing the Temp/Pressure Relief Valve?? Or is there another problem?? Thanks,

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:55 am

That's where I would start with replacing the Temp/pressure Relief Valve. I've seen them you bad on house water heaters but they usually just start dripping. Buzz

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 5:58 am

Thanks Buzz. It's always something.

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 1:12 pm

Sounds like a great way to get the caked on crud out of your bilge!

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 2:35 pm

Happens a lot with those pressure relief valves. But the pressure on these is different than the ones at home, I think they're 75 PSI on the boats. Be sure to get the right one. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA