When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes.
Hot water heater relief valve leaking.
If the relief valve is needed frequently that means there s an issue with.
In the first case the valve will drain water out of the discharge pipe as explained above.
Open a hot water faucet near the heater to release pressure and drain the tank until the water level is below the valve.
Close the cold water cut off valve going into the water heater.
Leaking t p relief valve when a temperature and pressure t p relief valve at a water heater leaks it s usually a simple fix.
Reasons for water discharging from the relief valve.
Your water heater s relief valve can start leaking for one of two reasons.
Usually what causes a leak is the minerals in the water that will deposit on your valve.
If it leaks then it can do quite a bit of damage in just a short amount of time with just the water that is leaked.
Open the valve at the bottom and the pressure relief valve for a minute to drain a little.
Disconnect the overflow tube you may have to cut it and unscrew the valve with a wrench.
Just replace the valve.
If a pressure relief valve for a boiler is accidentally installed on a water heater it will leak like crazy from the start.
These valves may look identical but they re set to go off at 30 psi.
Both circumstances should be taken very seriously.
Why might your water heater s relief valve start leaking.
The relief valve is working the way it s intended and water drained to reduce the pressure inside the tank.
These valves cost less than 15 and replacing the valve is a very basic job just drain some water out of the water heater remove the discharge tube and replace the valve.
If you do try to fix it here are the basic steps involved.
A water heater pressure relief valve is what prevents the levels of pressure from your water heater from getting to dangerous levels.
To remove a t p valve first turn off the electricity or gas and wait for the water to cool which usually takes about 24 hours.