What is this??

SneakyMonki

It must be some kind of overflow drain or something, this is on the cold water inlet on a gas water heater. You can see the clear tube coming from the 'valve' or whatever it is. Problem is, now there is a small steady stream of water being released here and going down the tube to the floor drain. It's just recently starting draining, it's never done it before my house is 3 years old. any ideas what this is and why all of a sudden it's draining water?

Thanks!!

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Jackofall1

As for the clear tube my guess, pressure relief.

As for the venting ----- failed! Dryer vent piping is not an acceptable means of venting a gas appliance such as a water heater. You have no draft diverter on that vent either, you need to get a pro to look at that venting situation or do some research and fix it.

Is there any other pressure relief on the tank? if there is that would be good, as the one in the picture is purely pressure where-by you need both temperature and pressure relief.

Mark

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DangerMouse

Replace valve, install electric tank.

DM

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SneakyMonki

It's not a dryer vent, see picture. Also I'm not sure what a draft diverter is, but is that the thing circled in the next picture? The water heater sets off the ground on a metal stand and I took the picture from below, i'm pretty short. So here is part of it you didn't see. Yes it does have a regular relief value too. So I shouldn't worry that this thing is draining water?

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Jackofall1

Alrighty then, just wanted to make sure you had a safe installation.

It would appear that the city water pressure has increased beyond the setting of the pressure valve on the inlet of the tank. There may be an adjustment on the top of that valve to increase spring tension on the seat of the pressure relief valve.

Naturally its never good to have water leaking where you don't what it to leak.

Mark

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SneakyMonki

That sounds very possible, they are adding a new phase to our addition and they have been doing water, sewer expansion over here so I could see that happening. Thanks for the response I'll see what else I can find out about the pressure release valve.
Thanks again!!

Jackofall1

Your very welcome, please do a follow-up when you have solved the issue.

Mark

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fabrk8r

It's a "trap primer" and it's purpose is to release a little water occasionally to keep the drain trap from drying out.

The version you have appears to be serviceable. It may need need to have some debris cleaned out or it may need a new seal.

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