We have an old gas water heater, at least ten years old. Lately I am seeing some water coming from the pressure relief pipe. The PRV is located on top of the tank. I keep a bucket under the pipe that is connected to the PRV and we get at least a little water each day. I have tried opening and closing the valve but still we have drips. Not constant though, but I notice when I open and close the valve it runs a little while after it is closed. I don't keep the temperature very hot. I would like to replace the valve but how do I know which one to buy? I am sure it is probably full of sediment too as we have never drained it. The pipe connected to the PRV is copper, does that have to be cut off? Thanks,
COMMUNITY FORUM
Timbear, what about our last project? Blowing debris out your water pipes. Did you get wet? HA!
If you relief valve is leaking then you must replace it. They have a spring that can weaken. It also may mean that you are overheating and it is letting off the excess pressure that is caused by the heat expanding the water. If the next one leaks or if you have hotter water than usual you make need to take other action.
These T & P valves, I've always called them temperature-pressure relief valves. PRV's are ususally pressure reducing valves used on an incoming water line to reduce the water pressure. If you are in an area that has these then the heater relief valve leaking could be caused by the PRV needing repair or replacement and allowing in a higher pressure water.
The 212degrees relieves the valve or 150 pounds of pressure. Those are the two numbers you need to buy a new valve. You will have to remove and reconnect the drain line.
If you relief valve is leaking then you must replace it. They have a spring that can weaken. It also may mean that you are overheating and it is letting off the excess pressure that is caused by the heat expanding the water. If the next one leaks or if you have hotter water than usual you make need to take other action.
These T & P valves, I've always called them temperature-pressure relief valves. PRV's are ususally pressure reducing valves used on an incoming water line to reduce the water pressure. If you are in an area that has these then the heater relief valve leaking could be caused by the PRV needing repair or replacement and allowing in a higher pressure water.
The 212degrees relieves the valve or 150 pounds of pressure. Those are the two numbers you need to buy a new valve. You will have to remove and reconnect the drain line.
