Water Heaters - Gas DHW Heater Valve
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LI Neil
11-19-04, 07:07 AM
I had a new AO Smith 50 gal DHW tank installed, after 2 weeks I had a small amount of water comming out of the PR valve when the unit is cooking. Had the installer return and install an expansion tank. Now 4 weeks later the same thing again. I will call the installer, just want to know what can be the cause of this?
Neil
Neil
Sharp Advice
11-19-04, 07:36 AM
Hello: Neil
In my opinion, adding an expansion tank is only masking a problem and not resolving it. Several possible causes for the condition described.
One is too high a water temperature. Related to thermostat setting or thermostats ability to sense and regulate temperature. Another may be incomming water pressure. Too high. Set by water pressure regulator at the incomming water line into the house.
Yet another possible cause is the TP (Temperature/Pressure) valve itself. May be a new part. But that does not mean the valve is not malfunctioning or defective.
Dripping and or leaking TP valve may also indicate some debris is under the valves seat or a poor seal under the seat or a defective washer seal, etc. May solve the problem by replacing that TP valve, providing all other conditions are correct and operating normally.
In my opinion, adding an expansion tank is only masking a problem and not resolving it. Several possible causes for the condition described.
One is too high a water temperature. Related to thermostat setting or thermostats ability to sense and regulate temperature. Another may be incomming water pressure. Too high. Set by water pressure regulator at the incomming water line into the house.
Yet another possible cause is the TP (Temperature/Pressure) valve itself. May be a new part. But that does not mean the valve is not malfunctioning or defective.
Dripping and or leaking TP valve may also indicate some debris is under the valves seat or a poor seal under the seat or a defective washer seal, etc. May solve the problem by replacing that TP valve, providing all other conditions are correct and operating normally.
LI Neil
11-19-04, 08:16 AM
Thanks for the recommendations:
I will pick up a pressure gauge and check that out. The TP only leaks when the tank is cooking, not when cold, will excercise the TP valve a bit and see if that helps.
Would preping the expansion tank be a critical step? Should there be a certain amount of pressure in there before installing? If so, can I drain it out, remove and check pressure, or I can drain and check pressure installed?
I figure a standard tire gauge would work? I may not have room :confused:
The promblem with getting the installer back is the heating season is in full swing now and having to take time off of work is a pain, so any simply fix I can attemp would be better overall for me.
Thanks again,
Neil
I will pick up a pressure gauge and check that out. The TP only leaks when the tank is cooking, not when cold, will excercise the TP valve a bit and see if that helps.
Would preping the expansion tank be a critical step? Should there be a certain amount of pressure in there before installing? If so, can I drain it out, remove and check pressure, or I can drain and check pressure installed?
I figure a standard tire gauge would work? I may not have room :confused:
The promblem with getting the installer back is the heating season is in full swing now and having to take time off of work is a pain, so any simply fix I can attemp would be better overall for me.
Thanks again,
Neil