[scrapple]

I notice that a few times there has been some water dripping from the overflow or pressure relief pipe on the side of the heater into the pan at the bottom. It happens infrequently, seems to occur when the heater is working and there's minimal water in the pan. should I be worried about that? Should I call someone?
Thanks!

[KayakerNC]

Google is your friend (maybe)
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/homem...ter-heater.php
Pressure relief valve is leaking:
* Water temperature too high, turn down thermostat
* Water pressure too high, use a pressure reducing valve in supply line
* Valve has failed, requires replacement

[faithfulfrank]

The T & P valve is not working properly, and should be replaced. Rarely, after many years the spring can weaken, or the inside gets a bit of junk in it, and can drip.
You can CAREFULLY open it a bit and try to flush it out, but you risk the following;
1) Scalding water can come out of that pipe, burning you.
2) The dripping can increase to a constant flow or worse, thus needing a immediate replacement.

I recommend replacing the T&P valve. Any plumbing supply store or orange/Blue BigBox place has them.

You do not say of your tank is gas or electric.

If Electric, you can turn off the breaker, let the water cool off, then drain the tank to below the T& P valve. Then screw off the extension pipe, then screw off the t&P valve. There should be a tag on it with the rated Temperature and Pressure. You should replace it with the same. Install new one and reinstall the extension pipe. Turn the water back on, making SURE the tank is fully filled with water coming out of faucets, etc. Only then do you turn the breaker back on. Check the new valve for leaks.

If gas, the instructions are a bit different, depending if you have a powervent, or regular gas HWT.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this, call a plumber. If the tank is over 12 years old, and you need to call a plumber, you may want to just replace the tank, as it may be nearing the end of it's useful life. If you are going to pay a service call anyway.......

Note that the above condition can also be sometimes caused by water hammer, and that the T&P valve MAY be working properly. For water hammer, there are other solutions.

Frank

[hoseman]

Thanks for this question as I've got the same issue.

Changed the hot water tank pressure relief valve on the tank approx 4 weeks ago. The problem continues with seepage from the hot water tank witness line.
Sometimes it leaks and sometimes nothing but this question caused me to dig further.

So after changing the relief valve with no luck, now I'm ready the change the tank - so off to Home Depot today to shop for a new tank - 40 gallon gas tank is $375 (6 year tank).

"Charlie" in HD plumbing asks what up - I mentioned the irregular water seepage after much hot water usuage - he asked when was the pressure regulating valve last changed? I added it approx 10 years ago but Charlie was persistant and told me to find a pressure gauge to be used on an outside faucet. $10.50 later for the gauge, I go home and tested the house pressure. Sure enough 110 psi - street line pressure! Get on the internet to learn how to adjust this thing as the PRV valve instructions were lost 9 years and 364 days ago - find the instructions - adjusted the valve until the cows come home - still 110 psi at the gauge - back to Home Depot for a replacement PRV and I installed it in 45 minutes - this time I didn't have to sweat fittings - just a mechanical install - get it installed and turn the water back on - the house pressure is now at 50 psi.

Will advise if this is the final fix (I don't trust that sneaky little booger). Just checked the overflow pipe - so far so good. I do admire HD staff for not instantly selling me a new tank. Thanks to all (especially my Dad who taught me how to do plumbing when I was kid). I'll update after about a week after watching that darn drain line.

Later but again thanks for posting this thread.

[philnpat]

Hoseman,
Is the 110 psi at your home in TV or elsewhere?
Also, where do you install the reducing valve? There isn't much copper that I can see. Other than to the tank, it's mostly plastic.
I'm going to check my pressure when we get down to TV in January. With pressure that high, I can forsee a whole lot of problems!