Relief valve

awoln

Sir,

I have a 50 gal. gas water heater and water has been leaking to the outside from what I believe is the P&T relieve valve. Am I right in my assuption?.

If the P&T valve is the problem, what is the best method to remove it from the water heater to replace it with a new one?

DangerMouse

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Does the valve leak constant? How old is the unit?

DM

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AllanJ

Turn the heater off.

Turn off the cold water supply to the heater, open a hot water faucet upstairs, and drain about 10 gallons from the heater drain valve down at the bottom. (This last step is somewhat trial and error, you need to get the water level in the tank below where the P&T valve screws in.)

Unscrew the old P&T valve and screw in the new one.

Before turning the heater back on, you should have water pouring from a hot faucet to prove that the tank has been refilled.

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plumberinlaw

make sure to use teflon tape and pipe dope

Alan

has it always done this, or is it just recent?

Did you notice a boost in overall pressure in your house when it started happening?

T&P doesn't usually just start dripping. Usually playing with it and getting sediment stuck in the seat will make it drip. If there's a problem with the system (temperature too hot, pressure too high) that will make it run.

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Journeyman Plumber

secutanudu

Friend of mine has the same problem. About a 10-year old unit gas heater, I think 50 gallon. He didn't notice an increase in pressure or temperature in the house. I guess it can't hurt to try and replace the valve, since they aren't too expensive. If it it still leaks, Then the problem is elsewhere.

Is there a recommended brand for the T&P Valve?

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Andrew