Open a hot water faucet near the heater to release pressure and drain the tank until the water level is below the valve.
Water heater release valve running.
The two most common reasons for a hot water heater relief valve leaking are excessive temperature or excessive pressure.
If you do try to fix it here are the basic steps involved.
Run a hot water faucet until the water heater begins heating.
Water heaters come equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve also known as a tprv.
This valve allows water or steam to escape from the water heater if the temperature or pressure gets.
Open the valve at the bottom and the pressure relief valve for a minute to drain a little.
When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes.
Disconnect the overflow tube you may have to cut it and unscrew the valve with a wrench.
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.
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.
There s a problem with the valve such as a faulty seal and the water is unintentionally leaking.
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.
It is possible that a bit of scale or other debris is preventing the valve from closing completely.
Connect the gauge to the water heater drain faucet garden hose thread.
It s rare that a hot water heater re.
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.
The relief valve will open for 2 reasons excessive pressure or excessive temperature.
If temperature sensors and safety devices such as tprs malfunction water in the system may become superheated exceed the boiling point.
Temperature pressure relief or tpr valves are safety devices installed on water heating appliances such as boilers and domestic water supply heaters.