Water Heater Release Valve Running

First turn off the gas to the water heater or flip the breaker if it s electric.

Water heater release valve running.

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. If temperature sensors and safety devices such as tprs malfunction water in the system may become superheated exceed the boiling point. The relief valve is working the way it s intended and water drained to reduce the pressure inside the tank. To remove a t p valve first turn off the electricity or gas and wait for the water to cool which usually takes about 24 hours.

Open the valve at the bottom and the pressure relief valve for a minute to drain a little. Open a hot water faucet near the heater to release pressure and drain the tank until the water level is below the valve. Tprs are designed to automatically release water in the event that pressure or temperature in the water tank exceeds safe levels. If you do try to fix it here are the basic steps involved.

Close the cold water cut off valve going into the water heater. This valve allows water or steam to escape from the water heater if the temperature or pressure gets. Temperature pressure relief or tpr valves are safety devices installed on water heating appliances such as boilers and domestic water supply heaters. The relief valve will open for 2 reasons excessive pressure or excessive temperature.

If the water heater thermostat fails to turn off at its temperature setting and continues to heat the water indefinitely the tpr valve will open and let the overheated water out. Disconnect the overflow tube you may have to cut it and unscrew the valve with a wrench. 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. 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. Run a hot water faucet until the water heater begins heating. There s a problem with the valve such as a faulty seal and the water is unintentionally leaking. When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes.

Connect the gauge to the water heater drain faucet garden hose thread.