Relieve The Stress Of A Leaking Water Heater Relief Valve

The distinctive hissing or dripping of a leaking relief valve can be an anxiety-inducing sound for any homeowner. If ignored, a leaking relief valve on your water heater can lead to a host of problems, from decreased efficiency to dangerous pressure buildup. Don't let relief valve issues cause you undue stress - understanding the problem and repair options can help you regain peace of mind.

What is a Water Heater Relief Valve and What Does it Do?

A pressure relief valve is a safety component found on most residential water heaters. It is typically located near the top of the tank. The valve is designed to open and release water should the pressure inside the tank climb too high.

The relief valve's pressure threshold is around 150 PSI. If the pressure exceeds this limit, the valve will open to discharge hot water and relieve the excess pressure building inside the tank. This protects the tank from damage and helps prevent dangerous explosions.

What Causes a Relief Valve to Leak?

Excess Pressure in the Tank

One common cause of a leaking relief valve is excessively high pressure inside the water heater tank. As water is heated, it naturally expands in volume. In a closed system, this thermal expansion causes an increase in internal pressure.

If the pressure climbs above the valve's 150 PSI threshold, the relief valve will open to release the excess pressure. In some cases, a minor leak may persist even after pressure has been relieved.

Sustained high pressures over 150 PSI can cause the relief valve to leak regularly. This is often accompanied by rumbling and noise from the tank. Excess pressure puts strain on the whole system.

Worn Out Relief Valve

Even if the tank pressure is normal, a relief valve can leak due to wear and tear. The internal spring and seals keeping the valve closed can become corroded and damaged over time. This allows water to drip out as the valve fails to seal completely.

A relief valve dripping every few seconds or minutes likely indicates the valve itself is faulty and worn out. While a "weeping" leak may seem minor, it usually warrants replacement of the relief valve.

Dangers of Ignoring a Leaking Relief Valve

It may be tempting to just place a bucket under a dripping relief valve and forget about it. However, this passive approach can lead to some serious consequences:

• Pressure continuing to build within the tank, stressing the metal and joints
• Corrosion occurring due to water contacting the tank exterior
• Catastrophic tank failure if pressure exceeds capacity
• Scalding hot water released if the valve sticks open
• Significant property damage if the valve leak is high-volume

Catching and resolving a minor valve leak quickly can prevent these types of dangerous and expensive problems down the line.

Checking Your Water Heater Pressure

Before attempting any repairs, it's important to check the current water pressure inside your water heater tank. This will help diagnose whether excess pressure is causing the relief valve to leak.

Use a water pressure gauge to test the pressure at the tank. The gauge screws onto the relief valve tapping or a nearby hose bib or supply line.

A reading of 150 PSI or above indicates excessively high pressure that will require relief. Ideal pressure is typically between 30-100 PSI. If in doubt about interpreting pressure readings, contact a professional plumber for advice.

Options For Resolving a Leaking Relief Valve

Installing an Expansion Tank

If high internal pressure is causing relief valve leaks, installing an expansion tank can help provide additional volume for thermal expansion. The added space in the tank reduces pressure buildup on the water heater.

Expansion tanks are installed in the cold water supply line. They typically range from $100-$300 to have professionally installed. This route resolves pressure issues without replacing the relief valve.

Replacing the Relief Valve

If the leaking persists even with normal tank pressure, replacing the relief valve itself is likely the solution. Look for the exact replacement valve recommended by your water heater manufacturer.

DIY valve replacement just involves shutting off water supply, draining the tank, unscrewing the old valve, applying thread sealant, and installing the new valve. Leak-free operation should resume once complete. Call a plumber if the valve replacement looks complex.

Preventing Future Leaks

Take proactive steps to keep your relief valve in good working order and avoid repeats of this leak down the road:

• Inspect the valve during annual water heater maintenance
• Test pressure and monitor for corrosion buildup
• Replace the relief valve every 5-10 years as preventative maintenance
• Ensure water pressure stays in the safe 30-100 PSI range

A well-maintained relief valve is much less likely to cause problematic leaks and headaches.

Repairing a leaking relief valve is usually within DIY capabilities. However, there are certain situations in which it pays to bring in a professional plumber:

• If tank pressure reads higher than 150 PSI repeatedly
• The valve leak persists despite attempted DIY repairs
• The water heater or valve show major corrosion or mineral buildup
• Replacement of the entire water heater may be needed

A licensed plumber has the skills and experience to fully diagnose issues and ensure your water heater system is restored to optimal function. Your family's safety and comfort rely on a properly working water heater.

Dealing with a leaking relief valve on your household water heater can certainly cause stress. But armed with information on resolving the leak, you can take decisive action and breathe easy knowing the issue is fixed. Reference this guide anytime your relief valve gives you trouble, and relieve yourself of unnecessary worry.