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    kolesar1's Avatar
    kolesar1 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 13, 2013, 11:18 AM
    Water heater valve leaking
    I have a slight drip from the T&P valve - every 3 or 4 seconds. Can I open the valve and reseat it in hopes of stopping the drip?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 13, 2013, 03:30 PM
    Hi Kolesar1

    You certainly can, but I'd figure for worst case and have a new T&P valve (and teflon tape) on hand just in case the reseating failed.

    To install a new T&P valve just requires you to shut the power (or turn gas valve/thermostat to pilot), drain the tank to just below the T&P valve, remove the old one and install the new one. Refill the tank, bleed air out a hot water faucet, and finally restore power (or turn gas valve/thermostat to correct setting).

    You may also need:

    A 3/4" sharkbite coupling (in case you need to cut the pipe coming out of the T&P valve). These sharkbite (or gatorbite) fittings are push on type fittings requiring no soldering.

    A boiler drain cap (with washer) in case the drain from the water heater gets sediment stuck in it and drips after you close that. In this case, simply capping the boiler drain will work fine!

    Good luck!

    Mark
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Apr 14, 2013, 11:46 AM
    Hi kolesan and welcome to The Plumbing Page at AMHD.com. What is the house PSI? Do you have a PRV( pressure reducing valve) installed where the water enters your house? Back to you. Tom
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    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 14, 2013, 02:05 PM
    As Tom correctly indicated, you may have High Water Pressure or High Temperature. Check your pressure first. Keep it on 55 psi. In any case, you will most likely have to replace that leaking valve anyway as its memory spring will never hold the same tension again. Hope that helps. Back to you. Milo
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