Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jstpierre's Avatar
    jstpierre Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 9, 2015, 11:27 AM
    Black powder from T&P valve discharge pipe
    There's a small pile (maybe 2 tablespoons) of fine black powder that's fallen out of the T&P valve discharge pipe on my electric water heater. I'm hoping to find out its source and ramifications so I can determine what to do about it. The T&P valve is not leaking - the powder is bone dry, almost like soot. I haven't noticed any black sediment coming from the faucets.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 9, 2015, 03:05 PM
    Could be spider or insect droppings, roaches make black sand like droppings. If the washer was to decay that much, I think it would be leaking. Here is a procedure to use BUT be aware it may not close properly and you will need to turn off the water and replace the valve.

    To test the valve to ensure that it's working properly, simply raise and lower the test lever several times so it lifts the brass stem that it's fastened to, the spring should close it. Hot water should rush out of the end of the drainpipe. If no water flows through the pipe or you get just a trickle, replace the valve. If it leaks after testing, flip the lever a couple of times. If it still leaks, replace the valve.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Garbage disposal discharge pipe vs. drain pipe to wall [ 3 Answers ]

I am having a new, deeper stainless steel sink installed with the new countertops. The garbage disposal will now sit lower below the sink than the old one did. The waste from the disposal exits through a horizontal discharge tube, down the p-trap, and up/out through the main wall drain. The...

In my powder room sink black stuff coming up from the drain [ 3 Answers ]

Black stuff coming up from sink in powder room, husband put something down from home depot did not work I put bleach and still comes back not as much but still there

Black powder inside a water damaged wall [ 1 Answers ]

We have had a number of leaks in a wall which we think are coming from somewhere in the bathroom which is on the other side of the wall. After removing some of the plaster we have found a hole in the wall which is full of black powder, and around the hole is a circle of what looks like rusty...

Black powder [ 2 Answers ]

My mozzeloader is an old style flint lock it does not have a firing pin like say your center fire rifle yes its gun,, but so is an air rifle what am getting at is how can I be charged with a felony fire arm when there is no firing pin a mozzeloder is primetive weapon much like a bow and arrow in...

Hunting with black powder [ 8 Answers ]

I would like to now being a felon can I hunt with a mozzoloader

View more questions Search