Alde Pressure Relief Valve

northill

This is from the Aldi manual -"The boiler will now drain directly below the vehicle through the safety/ drain valve hose. Check that all the water is emptied out (about 2-3 gallons/7-10 liters). Leave the valve in the open position until the next time the heater is used."

So.... 1) do you all open this valve at the end of every trip? 2) Leave it open while in storage? and 3) then close it when connecting to city water on the next trip?
4) If on an extended trip, using hot water and/or heat, does that need to be done periodically or is it good until back to storage?
Thanks

Denny16

When stored the water tanks should be emptied, both the Alde hot water tank, which is drained with the yellow handle pressure relief valve in the Alde compartment once drained, I wait a day or so to let it dry out, then you can leave it mope or close it to keep bugs out.   While in extended use, the Alde manual recommends releasing the vale for a second (see manual for frequency), to re-established the air cushion in the top of the hot water tank.

Leaving water (especially hot/warm water) in tanks can lead to bacteria growing in the water.  This is why you sanitize your fresh water tank (not the Alde hot water tank) with a bleach solution before filling it up next time you go out camping.
cheers

Sharon_is_SAM

@northhill - If you are actively using your tanks, you do not need to empty and drain them.  With more than a few days in between trips, empty your fresh tank and Alde water tank as Denny noted.  The object is to avoid stagnant water. 

I found that the Alde empties easier if you open a tap while you drain the tank.  There is an automatic check valve that is supposed to do the same thing as well.  I think it allows for venting and prevents a vacuum effect. We close our valves after they stop dripping.  

The air cushion needs to be restored once a week or every 10 days.  It restores itself when you fill the Alde tank.  So, if using the TaB for an extended trip, just briefly crack the valve weekly and you should be good.