Posted by Hill on January 04, 1998 at 04:49:58:
In Reply to: HOT WATER HEATER LEAKING posted by fred smith on January 03, 1998 at 18:02:27:
: on the top center of our water heater is a pipe coming out and going down the side of the unit. over the past few months it has been dripping water. it seems to be doing this more and more. we have to keep a bucket under it to collect the water. does any one know why this is doing this? please help
It's the temperature and pressure valve (T&P valve). Either temp or pressure or both is too high. They can open up to relieve, let's say pressure, get debris in them and continue to leak. With the bucket underneath lift the lever on top and let water out - do this a few times. It may stop the leaking. You can replace the valve. Unless your water temp has changed and gotten really hot - my vote is that your whole house pressure reducing valve is going bad (PRV valve). This often starts T&P valves leaking. Hill