Recently I had the plumber raise the temperature of the water on the hot water heater. Since then, water has been coming out of the overflow tube on a consistent basis. Is there an easy way to remedy this on my own, or do I need to have the plumber come back?

If this is a gas water heater then you can simply turn the gas valve (see picture) down according to the instructions on the front of the heater (or in the instruction book inside the plastic bag hanging on the side of the heater). It should only involve turning the dial a little bit clockwise to bring it down to the correct temperature of 125 F or less.

If this is an electric water heater then you would need to shut the breaker off (30 amp double pole breaker) at the breaker/fuse panel and then open the access panels on front of unit and turn the thermostats down to 125F. Then you would replace the doors and turn the power back on to heater.

If problem persistes after that then pop back and let us know. WHATEVER YOU DO... DO NOT plug this pipe off...OK? People have died plugging this pipe so this is NOT an option here.

MARK