Gas Hot Water Heater-Pressure regulator leaking

[jim zaharias]

My pressure regulator valve is leaking and seems to be getting worse. If I tap on it lightly, the leaking will stop but will always return. Is this a faulty valve or are there internal problems that require other corrective actions?Thanx in advance! Jim [email protected]

[JimParticipant]

Could be just a weak relief valve, but you need to check for thermal expansion as well, especially if there is a pressure reducer, check valve or backflow preventor on the main water line into the house. If you have thermal expansion the pressure could easily get up to 150 PSI and make the relief valve discharge. After replacing the existing relief valve put a pressure gauge on a hose faucet or laundry tub spout or water heater drain. With no other water running and your water heaters power shut off, check your static pressure–should be about 40-75 PSI. Watch it for a few minutes to make sure it doesnt creep up. Now fire up the water heater (make sure it is actually running) and watch the gauge–if there is thermal expansion you will see the pressure go up. If there is thermal expansion you will need to install a thermal expansion tank on the cold water line to the water heater to absorb the pressure increase.: My pressure regulator valve is leaking and seems to be getting worse. If I tap on it lightly, the leaking will stop but will always return. Is this a faulty valve or are there internal problems that require other corrective actions?: Thanx in advance! : Jim : [email protected]

[JimParticipant]

If this is a recent problem and you havent made any revisions to the plumbing system, then the valve needs to be replaced. This is something that should be done every couple of years as a normal maintenance operation. If your water pressure is very high, then that will also cause the leakage, and a pressure regulator is needed, but the safety valve also needs to be replaced. Once they start discharging, they seldom stop leaking if they are a couple of years old.: My pressure regulator valve is leaking and seems to be getting worse. If I tap on it lightly, the leaking will stop but will always return. Is this a faulty valve or are there internal problems that require other corrective actions?: Thanx in advance! : Jim : [email protected]

[JimParticipant]

Install a Heaterguard unit and protect yourself from leak damage. Visit http://www.heaterguard.com: My pressure regulator valve is leaking and seems to be getting worse. If I tap on it lightly, the leaking will stop but will always return. Is this a faulty valve or are there internal problems that require other corrective actions?: Thanx in advance! : Jim : [email protected]

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