Water heater Help

[Deleted User]

To the all knowing list. Can you help me. My hot water heater periodically (ever couple of weeks)overflows or back flows. Any ideas on causes and fixes. Will draining or flushing do anything. Thanks in advance. PS. It is Gas Hot Water heater.

Mike

kevin

where is ...

the water comming out of? If it is coming out of the brass lvalve w/ the lever on the top or side you should have a licenced plumber look at it asap. This is the t&p valve it lets you know that something is going on in your water heater that could be dangerous. There are a variety of reasons from a bad valve to a improper reading of the thermostat. In my lopinion this valve is one of the most important valves in your home get it checked out for your safety...kpc

Dan

overflow?

do you mean the temp./pressure relief valve is leaking or discharging water, if so I'd recommend checking the house water pressure, also is there a water pressure reducing valve, but it could be a thermal expansion issue aswell, need more infomation, did this just started happening after how many years or a new install?

[Deleted User]

thanks.

Yes. I think that is it, but haven't seen it but just once about a year ago. So not sure. When I pulled the lever a bit, a real rusty stream of water came out.

Unknown

Yep

That valve is very important - it opens up when there is excess pressure or temperature . Sounds like youre a candidate for a domestic expansion tank as well . See if you have a good plumber who can look over the system and reccomend the proper equipment .

[Deleted User]

Old Water heater. Started a year ago. Getting more frequent. Water pressure in my house is exceptionally strong. Also, water temp is real hot.

Unknown

If its old

and you got a rusty stream of water that high in the tank , odds are youre gonna need a new heater . If you have excess pressure in the pipes , be very happy that the heater has lasted as long as it did - we replaced a 1 year old heater in a house that had 130 PSI pressure .

[Deleted User]

Expansion Tank???

For a water heater. I have one on my boiler. This is just a domestic hot water heater. I am wondering if we are talking about two different things. Thanks anyway.

[Deleted User]

Best Plan

Sounds like best plan is to replace. Was just wondering if there were any kind of maintenance activity that would fix it. Any recommendations. Don't think my pressure is 130 PSI but is definately up there.

kevin

x-trol...

tanks are for many uses.Heating and domestic water. What ron was suggesting could be quite applicable. In some places they are manditory. Potable water expantion tanks are a good idea whemn you have either a pressure reducing valve or a backflow preventer on the water main entrence.kpc

Unknown

Yep

Get a pressure reducer installed and knock down the pressure going into the whole house - 50 to 60 PSI is more normal - itll prolong the life of the tank as well as the domestic piping , valves , faucets , sinks . And the domestic expansion tank will help also with wild swings in pressure in the tank and pipes , and helps with water hammer . Alot of gas heaters say to drain some water off the bottom of the tank every 1/2 year , to get rid of the sediment . Good luck Mike .

kevin

the max..

water pressure that should be into a home is 75psi...kpc

[Deleted User]

Love this place.....

Thanks to all. Learning a lot and appreciate the candid tips and feedback.

to the best list on the web. I think I am a closet wethead.

Jackchips

A couple

other things you can watch for Mike: If you have a dishwasher, check the T & P valve during the cycle, also do the same thing when the washing machine is operating. Both of these appliances have quick closing solenoid valves. If you do have high pressure with either a PRV or backflow on the domestic main they could cause hydraulic shock to open the T & P. Excessive temperature may also be a problem and you could just turn the heater down some and see if that helps.

I wouldn't be too concerned with the rust at the T & P if you are not getting rust elsewhere in the system. As long as the T & P is shutting off it is doing it's job and you should be concerned with finding the problem. Mass mandates PRV's on all systems over 80 psi but 50 is plenty for a two story house.

Good luck