Water Heaters - Pressure Relief Valve Problems.

Please advise. Thanks

We have a gallon water heater mounted to the ceiling of our flat with the pressure relief valve at the side. The pressure relief valve is connected to a copper pipe that lead to the celing of the bathtub for draining purpose. (i.e. water will flow to the bathtub from ceiling when Pressure relief valve is operated.)

Everything is ok, since moving in. Until recently after two months...

The problem is that droplets of water is dripping out from the copper pipe when the water heater switch is turned off. But when the water heater is turned on, the dripping stops. (looks strange to me) :rolleyes:

It is not a gush of water coming out. But sort of dripping a drop every minutes. It stops when the water heater switch is turned on.

Is it normal? Or is it erratic and will stop? :confused:

Thanks again for your time and reply. :)

TheLord, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Sounds like the seal is going bad. When cold, there is not enough pressure to keep it sealed but when hot it gets more pressure plus heat and seals. I would replace it. It won't heal.

Can you tell me more about the seals?:)

It is not in my Water Heater Manual...

Thks.

Its not the seals I was saying needed to be replaced but the temperature relief valve its self.

Sometimes particles in the water can get lodged in the PRV causing it to drip. Is is possible that the hot water then increases the pressure on the PRV and causing it to seal.

Is it a plain PRV or a combined T&P valve.

You can try operating the manual release lever on the PRV and discharge it a few times. Sometimes this works especially if it is debris that is causing this. If this does not fix it it will probably have to be replaced.

thks all.:)

I will try the above methods..:)

Wait for my good news :p

Changed & Installed already..

I'm keeping my finger cross...:p