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Grog60 · Mar 28, 2009, 10:01 AM

I have a 65gallon Bradford White 10 year old water tank. I went on three week vacation and shut off water source and electricity to water tank. Returned and turned on water supply line and circuit breakers to water tank. Hot water started coming out of overflow line. Shut off breakers and water flow stopped. Tested pressure relief valve and it worked and released hot water. Shut off release lever and water flow stopped. But hot water came out of overflow line every time I turned the circuit breakers back on.

I do have an expansion tank connected to water line. I have shut off house water supply on previous vacations this winter but NOT the circuit breakers. The only difference is between all three vacations is shutting off the circuit breakers this last time.

Do I need to replace T&P valve or do I need a new water tank?

massplumber2008 · Mar 28, 2009, 11:02 AM

Hi Grog...

How much time expires between turning on the breakers and the T&P valve going off? Sounds like one of the thermostats is defective and causing the elements to overheat the water.

Very easy to remove the upper and the lower thermostats and replace them with new thermostats... and they're not expensive either. Universal replacement thermostats are available at all home improvement stores.

I am confident that you won't need to change the heater... ;)

Let me know answer...

MARK

Grog60 · Mar 29, 2009, 01:07 PM

Thanks for the input. Massplumber has saved me hundreds of dollars. It's nice to know I have hot water and no worries and to have someone available to assist us novices.

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Grog...

How much time expires between turning on the breakers and the T&P valve going off? Sounds like one of the thermostats is defective and causing the elements to overheat the water.

Very easy to remove the upper and the lower thermostats and replace them with new thermostats...and they're not expensive either. Universal replacement thermostats are available at all home improvement stores.

I am confident that you won't need to change the heater...;)

Let me know answer...

MARK

massplumber2008 · Mar 29, 2009, 03:07 PM

Thanks for positive information! Was it the thermostats?

Grog60 · Mar 29, 2009, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Thanks for positive information! Was it the thermostats?

I tried the replacement of the T&P valve first and right now that has stopped the overflow. I also turned both thermostats down as the previous owner had the water near 130 degrees... much too hot. I'll replace the thermostats next if this doesn't do the trick over the long haul. Thanks very much again. Grog

speedball1 · Mar 30, 2009, 06:40 AM

For your information the factory setting on most water heaters is 120F. Regards, Tom

Grog60 · Mar 30, 2009, 08:28 AM

Tom,

I was told 120 was the factory set and I tested ours at 130. I turned down thermostat and replaced T&P valve and all is well at present. I'll continue to monitor. Thanks for your input.

speedball1 · Mar 30, 2009, 08:50 AM

Let us know if it works out for you. Good luck, Tom