I have a newly installed hot water heater (GE model PG40T09AVH00) and there is water slowly coming out the pressure release valve. Presently, I leave a 32oz cup under the pipe and empty it every day or two.

The temperature is set closer to warm than it is to hot to protect our 2 year old from accidental scaldings, so I doubt we have our temperature set too high.

The old system (27 years old) did not have an expansion tank, and none was installed with the new one.

Is this kind of a slow flow normal or is is an indication of a larger problem? Does an expansion tank need to be installed, or would I be better served running a hose from the PRV values flow pipe to the drain 2 feet away?

Thanks,
Kwiz

You shouldn't have any discharge from the T & P valve on your heater. One of two things, (1) You have a bad T & P valve **or** (2) You have a check valve or a backflow preventer installed near the water meter in which case a expansion tank's needed.
Do you have a sprinkler system? Regards, Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the quick reply. We do not have a home spinkler system
If there is a backflow preventer somewhere in the system, I do not know about it. I certainly have not installed one, and our utility company says they have not installed any in our area. However they did recently replace some of the piping to our subdivision.

The current amount of discharge is comparable to the leakage we had from the one we replaced. It's too late now, but I am starting to wonder if an expansion tank would have solved the problem with the old water heater.

Is this a typical complaint when replacing a 20+ year old waterheater with a band new one? I am curious if there is an underlying change in the design that would explain the discharge.

Thanks,
Kwiz

"I am curious if there is an underlying change in the design that would explain the discharge."
No, water heater's remain about the same over the years. In my opinion adding a expansion tank to your old heater would have saved you from purchasing a new one. While most plumbers and manufactures will tell you to replace after 8 years I have one that's built into my kitchen cabinets that's over 50 years old and still producing hot water so, with proper care and maintenance, your 27 old heater should stiil be working. You DO flush your heater on a regular monthly schedule don't you? If not would you like me to show you how? Regards, tom

Tom,

It's becoming more obvious to me how unaware I am of how things work. No, I was not aware I needed to flush the heater at all, let alone on a regular schedule. And the installer for my new water heater did not mention it either. It would be appreciated if you could give me instructions for me how to do it. Thank you, Kwiz

For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom