A temperature and pressure relief valve, or a TPR valve, is fitted on most water heaters. If the temperature or pressure within the water heater becomes too high, this valve is designed to release water or steam to keep your water heater from blowing up. The trouble is, a TPR valve that’s leaking can mean it’s working or needs replacing.
A normal working valve will leak because that’s what it’s designed to do. While a valve that is defective, whether new or old, will leak because of excessive pressure or temperature. Simply put, a temperature and pressure valve leaking means you have a faulty valve or high water pressure or temperature.
If you update a TPR valve and it leaks afterward, it’s most likely because the valve is performing the job it’s designed to do by releasing built-up pressure. When this occurs, the issue becomes a little more complicated and may require an experts opinion from a team member at Murkey Plumbing.
Check to See if the Right Valve is in Place
A water heater’s TPR valve is designed to release at 150 PSI or 210°F. These values should be displayed on the valve itself or on a tag that will be connected to it.
If a boiler pressure relief valve were to be unintentionally fitted on a water heater, you will notice a leak quickly. Although these valves have very similar appearances, they are programmed to release at 30 PSI rather than 150 PSI.
It’s typically a straightforward job to repair or update a TPR valve on a water heater if it leaks. These valves are inexpensive, and changing them is a simple task; the entire job should take upwards of fifteen minutes max. Call the professionals at Murley Plumbing to help you fix this issue.
If you had a temperature and pressure valve installed recently is leaking, it’s doing it’s job. That said, if notice that it continues to leak, it’s likely that you are dealing with a problem related to pressure and temperature.
Check for a Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Given the contents within your water heater, the tank will make strange noises. That said, if there is a continuous rattling or whistle, this indicates the valve isn’t functioning properly as elevated pressure attempts to release from the heater but has no way out.
If you notice dirt or debris in your water, this indicates the inside lining of your water heater is damaged due to high pressure and you’re in need of a new valve.
When high pressure is sustained over an extended period of time, the debris builds up and flushes out with your water where you will notice it in your outlet faucets.
When this occurs, it’s at a very dangerous point and you’ll need the help of a licensed plumbing specialist at Murley Plumbing to determine what your next course of action is.
You may be dealing with a faulty TPR valve if it leaks after being repaired or without pressure. A continuous leak may be the result of overheating or an insufficient release of pressure. Both occurrences indicate that a valve is malfunctioning.
Also, it could also be an indication of a faulty thermostat that is unable to regulate the temperature. A leaking relief valve will not be able to maintain pressure so it continues to leak.
Water Heater Tank Leak
If you notice that your water heater tank is leaking, it should be taken seriously. It signals the lining of your heater has been damaged by pressure to the point where it is weakening and breaking down.
If this occurs, your water tank is unable to properly drain water and the pressure within just exacerbates the problem. More often than not, the only viable solution if the issue reaches this point is to replace your water heater.
That said, if there is a chance to save your tank and simply replace the faulty valve, you should take action as quickly as possible.
Check Temperature and Pressure
Finding the root cause of the problem is a relatively basic process. You can start by checking the temperature of your water by running water in your house and take a temperature reading using a meat thermometer.
Running water should be regulated at a temperature of 120° F. Temperatures within the 150°F range are hazardous and require immediate action, but they don’t account for a leaky TPR valve. To activate a TPR valve, the temperature must be close to boiling. If your temperature reading is normal, check the pressure next.
Once that 150 PSI mark is passed, this indicates excessive pressure, and the TPR valve on your water heater will release and begin to leak. Determining whether you have an issue with excessive temperature or pressure is relatively straightforward.
When water isn’t running in your house, the pressure should be within 40-80 PSI. If the pressure exceeds 80 PSI, adjustment is necessary as it’s too high for your water heater to handle. In this instance, installing a pressure regulator and an expansion tank is a viable solution. Look to the licensed experts at Murley Plumbing to perform this task.
You can purchase a pressure gauge to detect pressure variations within your plumbing system. This installation may require a plumbing specialist. One of Murley Plumbing’s specialties is hot water heater maintenance, so contact their team of licensed professionals to help.
Additionally, here is a great video on YouTube that can give you a bit more info as well:
Replacing TPR Valves
If you’re questioning how often TPR valves need to be serviced, keep in mind that they will ultimately wear out. If you examine the condition of your valve now and again, you have a better chance of staying ahead of any potential damages. This doesn’t need to happen as much as you may think.
You will want to do an annual check to ensure your TPR valve is in functioning order. If you’re living in areas that are more susceptible to certain conditions such as hard water or excessive water pressure, you should check it on a regular basis.
That said, the TPR valve should be replaced every 5 years, no matter how many times you check it. This is true even if your water heater seems to be in working order.
Final Thoughts on TPR Valves
Be aware that a leak doesn’t always indicate a faulty TPR valve. Certain conditions like extreme temperatures can cause an underperforming valve. Additional issues can be due to rust, debris, lack of sealant, or corroded pipes. Because of this, its crucial to keep a regular maintenance schedule to ensure the valve functions properly.
It’s beneficial to regularly check your TPR valve because it will show you whether the issue you’re facing is due to a faulty TPR valve. You will also be able to effectively remove buildup of debris that can wash through your pipes. Plus, you’ll know it’s time to replace your water heater valve if you find a leak after checking it.
