Water Heater Release Valve Running

When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes.

Water heater release valve running. If the pressure starts creeping up as the heater heats the water there is a backflow valve or in house regulator creating a closed system. There s a problem with the valve such as a faulty seal and the water is unintentionally leaking. If you do try to fix it here are the basic steps involved. Open a hot water faucet near the heater to release pressure and drain the tank until the water level is below the valve.

Water heaters come equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve also known as a tprv. The relief valve will open for 2 reasons excessive pressure or excessive temperature. Run a hot water faucet until the water heater begins heating. The relief valve is working the way it s intended and water drained to reduce the pressure inside the tank.

Close the cold water cut off valve going into the water heater. Disconnect the overflow tube you may have to cut it and unscrew the valve with a wrench. Open the valve at the bottom and the pressure relief valve for a minute to drain a little. Tprs are designed to automatically release water in the event that pressure or temperature in the water tank exceeds safe levels.

If water pressure and temperature are normal then the valve itself is defective and needs to be replaced. This valve allows water or steam to escape from the water heater if the temperature or pressure gets. It s rare that a hot water heater re. But if the termination of the piping is not readily visible such as if it is located under the house the water will continue to drain until the homeowner gets an amazing electric or gas bill and goes searching for the reason.

To remove a t p valve first turn off the electricity or gas and wait for the water to cool which usually takes about 24 hours. Temperature pressure relief or tpr valves are safety devices installed on water heating appliances such as boilers and domestic water supply heaters. It is possible that a bit of scale or other debris is preventing the valve from closing completely. The two most common reasons for a hot water heater relief valve leaking are excessive temperature or excessive pressure.

First turn off the gas to the water heater or flip the breaker if it s electric.