I have a constant leak from the pressure release valve on top of my water heater. How can I stop it?

First off shut off the fuel source, gas or electric and then close the main if there is no shut off above the heater. Your PRV is leaking for at least one of a few possiblitites. #1 it could be doing its job, does it leak while you are using hot water? If it still leaks then it isn't just doing its job. The next possibility is that there is some debris in the valve seal. Open the main and then open the PRV fully on and off several times to clear the debris. This doesn't work often but try it. If it still leaks replace the PRV. Remove the vertical pipe and unscrew the PRV with a large cresent wrench, pipe wrench, open ended box wrench. Take it with you to the store to help get the right match. When installing the new PRV give it three full wraps with white tefflon tape.

Marlow29- IS the water leaking from around the base of relief valve, where it screws into the tank, or comeing out the hole at the end of it,? If it is leaking at the outer end the best thing , and safest thing to do ,is to replace the relief valve ,because it will get worse and someone can get scalted from hot water blowing out.- If its around bottom where it screws into tank, turn off power turn off water (CLD) comeing into tank drain off pressure in tank by turning on hot water faucet for a few minuts ,remove pressure relief valve with a pair of channel locks (SLIP JOINT PLIERS) or adjustable jaw wrench, (I MET TO TELL TO STAND TO SIDE AND BARLEY OPEN VALVE HANDLE TO MAKE SURE PRESSURE IS GONE) , after removeing pressure valve replace with new pressure valve, before installing, rap pipe tap around threads, ( IALWAYS LIKED TO USE PIPE DOPE LIKE YOU USE ON GAS LINES) if you use the tape be SURE TO RAPE THE THREADS IN THE RIGHT direction so as NOT TO UNRAP tape as you screw back into tank, tighten back down prety tight. Trun water back on ,open hot water faucet and let run untilla good flow of water comes out and NO AIR ,turn off faucet check for leaks around pressure valve ,if none turn electric back on, after tank has hot water check valve again for leaks ,if none good job, your back in bussness again, if not repeat all over again . Good Luck ::: F.B.E. LET me know how you come out

FBE didn't your doc tell you to get some rest? Best wishes and luck, Bob.

So why was it leaking? Once they open for any reason, you often do have to replace them, but they should never open unless something goes wrong. One of the most common things is a blocked inlet, either turning the water to it off, or an anti back flow valve. They are quite common in public water systems. If you have one, and don't have an expansion tank, when the incoming cold water heats and expands, it has to go somewhere. It will go out the relief valve often leaving crud on the seat, and a leak. Better look over your system and post back if you need more help.

BOB- at the time I answered this we were really bumbing, when I started (NO ONE had answered his question, when I finisdhed and went to top I saw yours ,sorry. I am trying to get rest, I can relax doing this. Thank you for concern though. By the way labman he did not say right where it was leaking from, I answered covering it all;;;

Yes, leaking around the pipe joint was a possibility.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by marlow29

I have a constant leak from the pressure release valve on top of my water heater. How can I stop it?

---

Do you have a sprinkler system or a back flow preventer installed? Regards, Tom