[everyman789]

Yesterday I installed a new gas water heater with a power vent. Since then, twice the relief valve opened and about two cups of water came out. Not violently, just ran out. There is an expansion and on the supply line. Any ideas?? Thank you. Alan

 

[jmon]

Welcome to the forum everyman.

What's the temperature set at? Is expansion tank set at your incoming water pressure, usually around 55-60 psi.

Could you post a picture of your set-up, thank you.

 

[oh'mike]

You may need to install a pressure tank---they are inexpensive and simple to install.

 

[everyman789]

The temp is set at about 130 degrees. It was at 140 and I turned it down to see if that helped (it did not). The expansion tank doesn't seem to have an adjustment on it. I installed it when I replaced the water heater last time, several years ago. It's rather small, a cylinder measuring eight inches in diameter and ten inches tall. It says on it "Pre-charge pressure 40 psi." Also "Water Heater Safety Tank." There's a nipple at the bottom. I'm ancient and technologically incapable of posting a picture. The tank is up high, about ten feet from the heater, and in a 3/4" copper line supplying the heater

 

[everyman789]

I do have an expansion tank on the supply pipe. Thanks. Alan

 

[everyman789]

Thanks, jmon. Do you think I need a bigger/better expansion tank? Alan

 

[jmon]

Maybe. How many gallons is your water heater?

 

[jmon]

The small expansion tank you have is good up to about 50 gallon water heater. Anything bigger than that you need to upsize your expansion tank.

 

[jmon]

Expansion tank on water heater should be set to your incoming water pressure. Usually around 55_60psi. Verify what yours is first. Check at any hose bib. Easy check with water pressure gage.

There is a schrader valve On bottom of expansion tank where you can add more air. You will need to turn off incoming water and relieved pressure for accurate readings.

 

[everyman789]

40 gallons.

 

[everyman789]

Thanks VERY MUCH, jmon.

 

[jmon]

The one have should be good enough. 40psi is probably too low. You need to set it at your incoming water pressure. See if that helps. Just a suggestion.

 

[jmon]

You are welcome everyman. Hope you get it running right soon.

 

[everyman789]

I checked at the Schrader valve with a bike tire gauge ~ it reads about 70 psi, and water came out when I made the reading. Is this normal? Alan

 

[oh'mike]

If water came out of the Schrader valve--the bladder inside the tank has ruptured.

Time to replace that one.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

A little water discharge could be condensation. A half gallon, replacement should be considered.

 

[jmon]

You found your problem.

Agree with mike. No, not normal at all for water to come out of schrader valve.

As mike said, time for a new expansion tank. If it is new, take it back and get another one.