Why is my new pressure relief valve leaking?

Your water heater’s relief valve can start leaking for one of two reasons: either the valve was triggered to open because of excessive temperature or pressure, or the valve itself is faulty. If the problem is a faulty valve, then you might have an actual leak.

Why is my brand new hot water heater leaking?

A: Water heaters can leak due to a number of problems, including loose valves, excessive pressure in the tank, or issues with the pipes that connect to the unit. And if your water heater is more than 10 years old, the leak is likely age-related—if that’s the case, it may be time to replace it.

What causes excessive pressure in a water heater?

Without proper maintenance, your water heater can go from heating up your water to exploding under increased pressure. In short, when the temperature or pressure of the water heater gets too high, the valve opens, and releases water that’s causing the increase in pressure.

Are water heater pressure relief valves universal?

There are several styles of TPR valve available, including universal pressure relief valves. It’s important to choose a replacement valve with the same BTU rating and pipe size. Take the old valve to the hardware store, and buy a replacement valve that matches it.

Should a new water heater leak?

Water heaters can last a long time, but even the best ones can leak. A leaking water heater doesn’t mean that it needs replacing, but you will want to fix any leaks as soon as possible. Even a small amount of water can cause a huge amount of damage, so it’s important to asses the situation as soon as possible.

Why is there water coming out of my overflow pipe?

When an overflow pipe is dripping or running with water, one of the most common causes is a problem with a float valve. Float valves are found in toilet cisterns, cold water tanks and central heating feed and expansion tanks. This movement turns the cold-water feed on so the tank refills.

How do you reduce the pressure on a water heater?

For most units, open the water pressure relief valve by simply lifting the valve up until the attached brass stem rises. When you do this, hot water will rush out of the pipe near the bottom of the water tank. Then, push the lever back down to close the valve and stop the water flow.