I drained the water heater Monday, and today I find water on the floor around the water htr. I found the source of the leak, the releif valve. I was told to open the valve when draining the water heater. We live in San Anonio Tx, a hard water city and they need to be drained every year or two. Although I didn't hear that until after 5 years, and it's a 6 yr tank. Can I just replace the valve, or do I need to replace the whole htr.

Hi Caldren:

Replace just the relief valve. These things are famous for doing this... sediment gets in there when disturbed like you did, and just won't seal back properly.

Try this... just lift lever on relief valve quick and then SNAP it back down.. try a couple times... let it wait a few minutes in between snaps.. see if that stops it from leaking.

If not, then just shut water shut off, off. Drain a few gallons at boiler drain of heater and then replace the relief valve. Use 6-7 wraps of teflon tape... and install new relief valve. Also, be sure to install a 3/4 " copper male adapter and 3/4" copper pipe to within 6-12 inches of the floor (or use old relief valve pipe). The end of this pipe must not be threaded or reduced in any way.

If relief valve leaks after replacing it then get back to us.. could be more going on (but I doubt it very much!! ).

That should do you!

If this helped please RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you... Mark

.



You may also need a brass hose cap... in case the boiler drain at the heater decides to leak after you drain a few gallons off... ;)