Is your new hot water heater pressure relief valve leaking? If you’ve just replaced this part on your water heater, the thought of it leaking can be frustrating. Most homeowners would be puzzled by this issue. To fully understand your predicament, you’ll need to understand what a hot water pressure relief valve is and does.
Temperature pressure relief valves are essential for keeping your water heater and your house safe. When your new hot water heater pressure relief valve begins to leak, North Texas homeowners may get anxious. You can make an appointment with a professional at Murley Plumbing to double-check everything is in working order.
But first, let’s address the issue, “New Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking” and explain to you why this may happen and what you should do if it does!
What is a Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve and What Does it Do?
When water is heated in your water heater, thermal expansion causes the pressure inside the tank to rise. If the pressure builds up too much, the risk of your water heater exploding increases. The temperature-pressure relief valve on your hot water heater is a security measure that prevents this from happening.
Once the temperature or pressure in your water heater approaches a dangerous level, typically 210 degrees and 150 psi, the relief valve opens up, allowing cool water to flood in from the tank. The temperature and pressure inside the tank begins to lower until they drop back to the baseline.
Thermal Expansion Explained
If your water heater is working within a closed system, thermal expansion may lead to excessive pressure and temperature. This happens because water expands when it’s heated. This isn’t an issue with open systems because the expansion has an escape.
However, if your water heater is working within a closed system, meaning the hot water heater pressure relief valve is fitted on the house’s water supply, the expansion has no escape. As the temperature of your water increases, so does the pressure inside the water tank.
The pressure relief valve on your water heater takes care of the issue in this situation. It opens up to drain water and relieve pressure rather than allowing the water heater to burst. This effectively eliminates a potentially dangerous situation from arising.
If your water heater is more than ten years old and showing signs of rust or corrosion, double-check the bottom of your tank to see if it’s leaking.
Why is my New Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking?
Finding water on the floor around your water heater is never a pleasant experience. But, before you get too worked up, you need to figure out where it’s originating from.
If you take a closer look and find that water is being released from a small tube positioned on the top or side of your hot water heater, the pressure relief valve is likely the source of the water you see.
If you do notice a small pool of water on the floor, there are generally two reasons why this is happening.
Here is a great video to check out as well for more information:
High Temperature or Pressure Triggered Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve to Open
As part of the normal operating processes of your water heater tank, the pressure release valve allows water to drain from the discharge pipe.
At first, this may look very similar to a leak. However, it’s the relief valve doing its job by emptying water and lowering the pressure within the tank.
Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve is Faulty
If the issue is a malfunctioning valve, you might have a genuine leak. This could happen if the valve does not seal correctly or becomes stuck and remains open, water will continue to drain out
Both of these situations should be properly addressed. If you need to use the hot water heater pressure relief valve routinely, it suggests there’s a problem with your water heater that’s creating dangerous temperatures or pressure.
If the relief valve is blocked or has a different issue, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Murley Plumbing can take care of this issue so that it performs its function effectively when needed.
What Should I Do if My Water Heater Relief Valve is Leaking?
If the pressure valve on your hot water heater begins to leak, it might indicate your water heater isn’t working properly.
The most common reason for a leaky pressure relief valve is age-related breakdown. In this instance, the pressure valve may become too old to function correctly after years of operation and the issue should resolve once the pressure valve is replaced.
Your water heater can also leak if the pressure relief valve is malfunctioning (e.g., not sealing properly). This issue can also be resolved by replacing the valve.
Whatever is causing your new hot water heater pressure relief valve to leak, the professionals at Murley Plumbing can assist you with repairing and/or replacing the pressure relief valve.
How is a Leaky Hot Water Heater Pressure Valve Fixed on a Closed System
If you have a new hot water heater pressure relief valve and you notice it’s leaking, call a plumber at Murley Plumbing. One of their trained experts can help you figure out what’s wrong by inspecting the new hot water heater pressure relief valve on your tank.
More often than not, an expansion tank will need to be installed if you’re operating a closed system. This can be fitted on your system to provide a place for the water to flow as it expands due to thermal expansion.
With an expansion tank installed, there’s no need for a new hot water heater pressure relief valve to discharge water, which eliminates the leak. If you feel that your water system needs an expansion tank, call Murley Plumbing to take care of the installation.
Final Thoughts
Whatever caused the leak in your new hot water heater pressure relief valve, call a professional plumbing service like Murley Plumbing as soon as you notice the problem.
If the valve is regularly tripped, their trained and licensed professionals can figure out why your water heater’s temperature or pressure is too high and address the root cause. If the relief valve is leaking, they can replace it with a new one. This is a common water heater problem and a popular service offered by Murley Plumbing.
Contact Murley Plumbing, your North Texas plumbing, heating, and air conditioning expert, if you have any questions regarding why your water heater’s relief valve is leaking, or if you need a plumbing system serviced or installed in your house.
