Hot water tank squeal

[Carle]

I have a 2016 Vegas 24.1 ... My hot water tank is omitting a high pitched squeal but its very muted - can hear it on the outside of the motorhome by access area to the tank. Have not heard this before. Happens on both 110V and LP. Other than that it works fine. Wondering if its the start of a problem. Any ideas out there? Thanks either way.

[16ACE27]

Did you open the door to see if anything is amiss? Like the over-pressure valve leaking?

Does it happen as soon as it's turned on or only after it's up to temperature?

[TurnerFam]

interesting, as although we never had any 'sounds' with our dual-power Atwood 10gal water heater on our Palazzo, as soon as we moved into a home recently, we realized that anytime we took a shower, there would be a VERY High constant SQUEAL that would continue as long as the hot water was on. Strange, as it did not happen when only using the tub, or any of the faucets.
So, we did a little 'youtube' and internet searching of this same issue, thinking the worst that it might be the hot water lines - nope, it's something very simple: it's the 'bypass' valve within the tub's own outlet.

What happens is that the tub's outlet, which has the pull for the shower diverter, uses a simple plastic-type diverter to move the water up the column/line to the shower head. This diverter, over time, can become old/weak and not seat correctly, creating a tiny place for the 'music' to happen - the SQUEAL! (just as if you were blowing a whistle!)

The sound is definitely LOUD, and it seems even the neighbors would be able to hear! It mostly last during the whole time the HOT water is on, but sometimes will actually STOP, on it's own, during a shower. I've looked at changing out the tub's outlet, but finding the exact right match, and then risking a later leak, I decided to just live with it(!)

[pneumatics]

Sounds like the T&P relief valve. When up to temp, is there a water drip? Typically there maybe an air bubble at the top of the tank, when the tank heats up the air expands and could be leaking past the seat on the valve. Which sounds like a squeal. If old replace it. Could have a bit of dirt on the seat ont the valve, opening the valve under pressure NOT HOT will clear the dirt.

[wrapped]

Sounds like the check valve in your water heater is going bad,how old is it.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Try this:
Turn off the water heater - both propane and electric. Let the tank cool... or run 3 or 4 gallons of water from a hot faucet in the motorhome. Now, turn off the water pump.

Now go out and flip up the little lever on the pressure regulator... which might spew water for a few seconds (normal). Leave the lever open.

Now, turn on your water pump. Go outside to the water heater compartment. Water should spew from the pressure release as soon as the tank is full... but don't close it immediately! Let the water squirt for maybe 10 seconds to bleed air from the top of the tank... Then close the pressure relief valve. You should hear your water pump stop shortly after.

This bleeds air from the tank. I suggest exercising that pressure relief valve occasionally... they can stick, or a small chunk of corrosion can keep them from completely sealing. Usually it would leak water in that case.

[Bob Denman]

Maybe some mice have taken up residency in the tank, and they don't like the water temperature...

[Carle]

Thanks for all the quick replies ... i will check these suggestions out. Cheers
Heading into the Yukon in Canada on a road trip ... seldom have wifi and definitely no cell coverage in northern BC. Cheers