[smartin85]

I have a gas hot water heater and there is some water draining from the discharge pipe on the side of the tank into a bucket that I have to empty every week or so. I was just wondering if I could connect a hose to it and run it over into a floor drain on the other side of the room. Is it safe to do that or should I just leave it the way it is?

[ma0641]

"Is it safe?" No! Obviously you have an issue with the TPV valve. Do you know why it's dripping? Instead of running a hose, why not fix the problem? People say "it costs too much". When the tank ruptures or overflows and floods your basement you will find out how much it costs.

[Milo Dolezal]

Hello Smartin85, as said in above post, attaching hose to dripping T&P valve is not the right solution to your problem

When Temperature & Pressure (T&P) valve leaks, that means one of three things is happening:

1. Water pressure is too high
2. Hot water temperature too high
3. Possibly, bad T&P valve

Do this:

1. Put pressure gauge on cold water valve somewhere BEHIND pressure regulator ( on house side ). Pressure should not read more then 75 PSI. If more then 75 PSI, replace water pressure regulator + replace T&P valve

Or

2. Set thermostatic dial on your hot water heater to lower temperature + replace T&P valve

Also ...

3. Replace T&P valve as its memory is now compromised and it will not hold pressure as it should

While at it, I suggest that you install Thermal Expansion Tank as well

Hope that helps

Milo

[afaroo]

I agree 100% with both experts, Thanks.

John