Table of Contents
- What is a water heater pressure relief valve?
- Signs of a leaking pressure relief valve
- Why is the relief valve on my water heater leaking?
- How to troubleshoot a leaking relief valve
- When to replace a pressure relief valve
- DIY fixes vs hiring a professional
- Preventative measures to avoid future leaks
Your water heater provides hot water for your entire home, from your showers to your laundry. On your heater is a little valve that prevents pressure from building in the unit, which saves you from more serious complications. However, sometimes water can start leaking from this valve into your home. If this happens, you need answers fast.
If your water heater pressure relief valve is leaking out water and you’re looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place. This discussion will go over what a pressure relief valve is, as well as what to do in the event it starts to leak water in your home.
What Is a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve?
Your water heater uses either gas or electricity to heat water before distributing it throughout your home. No matter the power source, the inside of your water heater gets very hot, and pressure can start to build up as your unit heats the water. The pressure relief valve (PRV) releases excess heat and pressure from the unit so it doesn’t build up in the tank. This small valve is a crucial safety feature that’s common on electric, gas, and tankless water heaters.
If the pressure or temperature gets too high, there’s a chance your water heater could explode. A properly functioning safety valve keeps your unit running properly and your family safe. It’s essential to make sure this valve is working effectively to prevent serious problems later down the road.
Signs of a Leaking Pressure Relief Valve
Not all signs of a malfunctioning pressure relief valve are obvious. Some are more subtle, and you may miss them if you don’t know what to look for. Knowing the warning signs of a leaking or failing valve helps you stay on top of issues and get them taken care of as soon as possible. Here we’ll go over some examples of visible indicators and performance issues you should look out for that indicate something is wrong with the pressure relief valve.
Visible Indicators
- Water Pooling Near the Heater: Water is supposed to be contained within the water heating system. If you notice a puddle of water near your water heater, this is a clear-cut sign that something is wrong. Be sure to check where the water is coming from, as the pressure relief valve is not the only potential culprit.
- Dripping or Consistent Flow From the Valve Pipe: Take a look at the pressure relief valve and the pipe that connects it. Check for obvious water flow or a minor drip coming from the seal around the valve or any other seal on the pipe. Any water dripping from the valve is a red flag that your valve needs to be fixed or replaced.
Performance Issues
- Inconsistent Hot Water: Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric one, the temperature of your water should be consistent. There shouldn’t be any fluctuations in the temperature of your water when you turn on the faucet or shower. If you notice your water will jump from lukewarm to boiling hot and then back to cold without adjusting the faucet handles, this could be a sign something is wrong with your pressure relief valve.
- Odd Noises from Your Heater: When your water heater is running, you shouldn’t hear anything other than a faint humming and the rushing of water through the system. Loud noises such as clanks and bangs are serious warnings that something is wrong with your water heater’s pressure relief valve.
Why Is My Water Heater’s Relief Valve Leaking?
If this valve is designed to release excess heat and pressure, how does water start leaking out of it? There are a handful of reasons this valve can start to leak, and it’s important to determine the cause so it can be taken care of properly.
Common Causes of Leaks
- High water pressure in the system
- Faulty or old pressure relief valve
- Temperature is too high (overheating)
- Sediment build-up
- Improper installation of the valve
- Expansion tank issues
How to Troubleshoot a Leaking Relief Valve
Once you find water pouring out of the pressure relief valve, it’s important to remain calm and try to figure out what’s causing the issues. Panicking won’t do anyone any good, so take a breath and try to keep a level head. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn off your water heater and determine what’s causing the sudden flooding in your home.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
- Turn off the water heater and let it cool completely. Gas units have a temperature dial you can set to zero, and electric units should have an ON/OFF switch in addition to shutting off the breaker in your home.
- Inspect the valve for obvious signs of damage. Give the valve a visual inspection and check for clear damage such as cracks or broken seams.
- Test your water pressure using a gauge. The ideal PSI range for a water heater should be between 40 and 60 PSI.
- Check the thermostat setting. The ideal temperature setting for your water heater is around 120°F. Higher than that can lead to excess pressure in the unit and an increased risk of serious issues.
- Look for sediment build-up near the valve or inside the tank. Excess sediment can lead to clogs or corrosion inside your water heater, which can cause water to start leaking.
When Should You Replace a Pressure Relief Valve?
If water is leaking from your relief valve, do you repair it or replace it? A good rule of thumb is to replace the valve when you notice signs of complete valve failure. Common water heater pressure relief valve failure symptoms include low water pressure, inconsistent water temperature, water leaks, and loud noises coming from the unit.
You should REPAIR your pressure relief valve if:
- The repairs don’t compromise the effectiveness of the valve.
- The valve can be repaired without risking safety.
You should REPLACE your pressure relief valve if:
- There are any safety concerns with the current valve.
- The valve is damaged beyond repair.
DIY Fixes vs. Hiring a Professional
Minor water heater valve leaks may have you considering whether you can fix it on your own. Working on your water heater on your own comes with risks you should keep in mind. For starters, you put yourself at an increased risk of injuring yourself. Repairing a water heater without proper training can get you hurt or worse. You also run the risk of voiding any warranties you may have on the unit, meaning if something more serious breaks, you don’t have that coverage.
If you hire a licensed plumber such as Wizard Plumbing & Drain, they’ve got years of experience and expertise in water heater repairs. You get peace of mind that your unit is fixed properly without risking any warranties you may have.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Leaks
To prevent pressure relief valve leaks in the future, keep up with routine maintenance tasks and watch out for any early signs of something being wrong. Monitor the water pressure in your heater with a pressure gauge to make sure excess pressure doesn’t build up inside the unit.
Routine maintenance practices you can implement right away to prevent water heater leaks include:
- Flush the tank annually to remove sediment and prevent buildup.
- Test the relief valve every 6 months.
- Install a water pressure regulator if needed.
Wizard Plumbing & Drain Will Work Our Magic
Both electric water heaters and gas heaters have a small relief valve that ensures pressure and heat don’t build up in your unit and cause drastic problems. A leaking valve can hint at a deeper problem, and taking care of the issue quickly improves the safety and overall efficiency of your unit.
If you need professional help with a water heater pressure relief valve replacement or repair, look no further than Wizard Plumbing & Drain. Our team of certified plumbers will work our magic to get your water heater back up and running in no time. We’re proud to serve our local community in San Francisco and the surrounding areas.
