My water heater's pressure relief valve started leaking today. A few days ago the city installed a new meter. The city says the new meter has a electronic reader and that no other changes were made. Of course, I did have some air in the lines initially-could that have caused my valve to go bad?

Can I drain it out or do I need to replace the valve?

Hey Mark, Do you have a check valve, backflow preventer or a sprinkler system installed? Try this. Jiggle the handle and see it it will seat. Let me know. Regards, Tom

I don't think I have a backflow preventer(unless its in the line from the street. ) No sprinklers.

It does appear to reseat, but is still dripping.

I've had the main valve shut for awhile and drained the tank. I just started it back and I guess once the pressure starts to build the valve will leak more.

When you drain a tank you should open up a hot water faucet to break the vacuum, Conversely, when you refill you should open a hot water faucet to relieve the air.pressure. When the ai8r stops and the water starts to run the tank's full and the line purged. IfcIt still leaks. Shut the power off and drain the heater down below the T&P valve and simply replace it. Good luck, Tom