Leaking T&P valve

[terricksa]

My T&P valve keeps leaking. I changed it out this weekend and it still leaks. Would an expansion tank solve this?

[majakdragon]

An expansion tank could possibly help the problem. Is this a new problem or an existing one? Reason I ask is that I don't like to cover up a problem that could be fixed. Has your water pressure changed? Temp on the heater been increased? Check your water temp at the closest faucet and see if possibly the thermostat is not working properly and allowing the water to overheat. Good luck.

[terricksa]

This is a new problem , but we just bought the house and the pressure seemed low to me so I turned it up and then it started leakin g a week later.

The temo seems to be consistant.

[majakdragon]

Did you mean that you turned up the water pressure? As in having a pressure reducing valve. If thats the case, I would adjust it back a small amount and see if that helps. Putting undue stress on the water heater is not a good thing. Water pressure in a house should be 50 to 60 pounds. Over 80 is too high. Have you checked the aerators on faucets to see if they are plugged and causing the low pressure? Thats sometimes the culprit.

[terricksa]

I think the pressure gauge is messed up. SHould I mess with the pressure before I put on an expansion tank?

[majakdragon]

A pressure tank will work. My thought was that if you adjust the pressure to a better level, you won't be spending the money. You can get a cheap pressure gauge at Home centers or a hardware that attaches to an outside faucet to check the pressure. Make sure you run the faucet for about 10 seconds before the test. Higher than necessary water pressure is not good for your plumbing pipes or fixtures.

[terricksa]

I messed with the pressure and it stillleaks. I am going to install an expansion tank this weekend. What would be an appropriate size tank for a 40 gallon heater.?

Thanks in advance