Jayco Legacy Fifth Wheel 2009, Owner'S Manual

Page: 55 / 132

SECTION 5
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
43
off or sooting from a yellow burner may occur,
indicating the possibility of carbon monoxide.
You may also notice a lack of efficiency in
heating the water because of incomplete
combustion of the burner at these higher
altitudes. Consult with the local propane gas
company, your dealer or the water heater
OEM for proper derating of the water heater.
Change out of the orifice (derating) should be
done by the dealer or a qualified service
agency.
It is important that once the RV has returned
to lower elevation (below 4500 feet) any high
altitude deration or other adjustments be
reversed for proper operation of the water
heater.
Pressure & temperature relief valve
You may experience water weeping or
dripping from your water heater's pressure
and temperature (P&T) relief valve when your
water heater is operating. Water weeping or
dripping does not mean that the P&T valve is
defective. As water is heated, it expands. The
water system in a RV is a closed system and
does not allow for the expansion of heated
water. When the pressure of the water system
exceeds the relieving point of the P&T valve,
the valve will relieve the excess pressure.
One way to reduce the frequency of this
occurrence is to maintain an air pocket at the
top of the water heater tank. This air pocket
will form in the tank by design; however, it will
be reduced over time by the everyday use of
your water heater. To replenish this air
pocket:
12. Turn off the water heater.
13. Turn off the cold water supply line.
14. Open a faucet in the RV.
15. Pull out the handle of the pressure relief
(P&T) valve and allow water to flow from
the valve until it stops.
16. Release the handle on the P&T valve - it
should snap closed.
Close the faucet and turn on the cold water
supply. As the tank fills, the air pocket will
develop. Repeat this procedure as often as
needed to reduce the frequency of the
weeping P&T valve.
Anode rod protection
The tank in the Suburban water heater is
protected by a magnesium or aluminum
anode to prolong the life of the tank by
absorbing the corrosive action of hot water.
Under normal use, the anode rod will
deteriorate and because of this, the water
heater OEM recommends the anode rod be
replaced yearly. Water with high levels of iron
and/or sulfate will increase the rate of
deterioration; therefore, more frequent
replacements may be required.
If an anode rod is mostly eaten away, replace
it with a new one. The water heater
manufacturer recommends replacement of
the anode rod when consumption or weight
loss is greater then 75 percent.
Figure 10 Suburban anode rod replacement chart
Do not replace the anode rod or any other
component with an accessory part that is
not authorized by the water heater
manufacturer, such as an “add-on” electric
heating element. Such items are not
approved to be installed and could create
an unsafe condition and will void all
warranties.
Do not place a valve between the pressure
and temperature (P&T) valve and the tank.
Do not remove or plug the relief valve
under any circumstances.