Replies

1. 
   MarkH | Dec 03, 2011 05:21pm | #1

   You probably need an expansion tank, they're pretty inexpensive.  I would experiment by cracking open a hot water tap, and see if the dripping stops.  Actually you could open a cold water tap instead.  What happens sometimes if there is a water pressure regulator installed it will allow pressure to build up inside the house, due to expansion to water being heated.  The expansion tank is pressurized and will allow the water a place to expand.

   Another possibility is an element is stuck on all the time, and your water heater is ready to explode, but then you would have scalding water.

2. 
   DanH | Dec 03, 2011 05:29pm | #2

   First make sure the water heater isn't overheating.  Let the heater run for several hours, run the hot water at a sink for about two minutes, and make sure the water is no hotter than normal.  If you have a meat thermometer or some such the temp should be no hotter than 140F -- hot enough that you can't hold your hand in it for more than about ten seconds, but not so hot that you risk scalding in that amount of time.

   If the water is too hot then the thermostat needs replacing.

   Otherwise you should try simply opening/closing the valve a few times will get it to seat properly.  (But be sure to put a bucket or some such under the valve so it doesn't splash all over everything as you do this -- that water is HOT!)

   It's also possible that you have some sort of setup with a backflow valve or pressure reducing valve feeding the house.  These tend to cause the dripping T&P valve symptom, because pressure builds up with no place to go.  But if that were the case you'd expect to have had trouble before the heating element went out.  (The fix, in this case, is to add an expansion tank to a cold water pipe somewhere in the system.)

3. 
   ward121 | Dec 03, 2011 06:10pm | #3

   Reply

   Let me clarifiy....

   The water only drips when the Hot water is running.

   System has been in use for 15 years

1. 
   DanH | Dec 03, 2011 07:22pm | #4

   You say that water drips from the T&P valve (with that little lever thingie on top) that exits the top of the heater and has a tube that runs down the side to the floor?  And it ONLY drips when HOT water is running?

   I could believe that it drips when you shut off the hot water, due to water hammer, but dripping only while the water is running is bizarre.

   (Did you replace the upper element or the lower one?)

1. 
   ward121 | Dec 03, 2011 07:52pm | #8

   I replaced the upper, I was the easier

1. 
   DanH | Dec 03, 2011 07:56pm | #10

   Replace the upper thermostat.  It's probably sticking.

   (On second thought, replace BOTH thermostats.  Either one could be sticking.)

2. 
   Piffin | Dec 03, 2011 07:25pm | #5

   Well that's an easy fix!

   Just stop running the hot water

   Dontcha just love a wise guy?

1. 
   DanH | Dec 03, 2011 07:26pm | #6

   Yeah, if only we had a few!

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 03, 2011 07:39pm | #7

   wizeguys or drips?

1. 
   ward121 | Dec 03, 2011 07:52pm | #9

   I have enough of both, thanks

4. 
   ward121 | Dec 18, 2011 12:14am | #11

   Update

   decided to change out  the water heater! Can't play games all day.  Now the water is hot and no more drips!!

1. 
   MarkH | Dec 18, 2011 07:53am | #12

   Sometimes I wish I would do that instead of repairing everything. 

   None of my vehicles are from this millenium.  I've made  repairs on my washing machine three times.  My computer runs windows 2000.  My TV was bought used at a garage sale ten or more years ago, but has never been worked on, that's going out for a flat screen some day, but it'll likely be a broken one I'll fix.  I do work on electronic equipment full time, but I hate it as a hobby/home pastime. 

   I just bought a mig welder so I can repair the rust wheel wells on my 1995 F150.  I bought it with a bad transmission and suspension issues.  Transmission is swapped out now and driveshaft is rebuilt  Still needs the rear spring hangers, front  coil springs, shock towers, and all four shocks and tires replaced.

   There's something wrong with my way of thinking.