Why Is My Water Heater Relief Valve Leaking And How To Fix

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I will walk you through the 2-step troubleshooting process I use when trying to fix a water leak at the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater. This project is approachable by all homeowners and at least step 1 should be tried prior to calling in a professional to help save time and money on this common home repair.
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[@brucemcdonald7273]

Thank you for the clear concise tutorial with no stupid music intro and unnecessary story line. A pleasure to watch. Great job...

[@oresto]

You literally saved me a service call. My valve was leaking and it was sediment stuck in the valve like you explained. Called back to cancel my service call. Sent money your way for saving money😊

[@user-cw3yd8gp8h]

Well done - not only explained what to do, but explained why the problem occurs (with great cut-aways). This is how tutorials should be -

[@shaesunshine1225]

As a homeowner, I am learning how to do simple projects to save money. I really dislike calling a plumber in to do a job I can do myself. So thank you for the opportunity to learn something new to help with upkeep on my home. Will tell you how it went. These kind of vlogs are timeless. So awesome 👌🏾 😊👍🏽☑️

[@MarkSCarroll]

Just saved me $300 for an emergency visit. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to do this without you. The manual packaged with my hot water heater had NONE of this in its 30 plus pages of mostly legal disclaimers. Thanks for preventing a flood!!!

[@WILBORN-ww2qz]

I was amazed that my valve looked like your valve from a 6 years old hot water tank that uses well water only, and yes I did have to replace it. Your excellant video saved me the cost of a plumber when I really need one for stuff I can't handle.

[@user-rm8ly1vh2v]

I had to replace the valve. Your video was very helpful for 75 year old woman.

[@edwardheyden4955]

You do an excellent job at explaining the steps required to fix either issue... that as an average DYIer I can follow easily . Thank you

[@frozenhouse5362]

I have just gotten one step closer to being the smartest man on Earth,Thanks for the video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I am here to support you in your journey 👊

[@johnebacon]

Your flush it method worked like a charm! Your explanation was top notch! Thanks for saving me from the wasted trip to HD and a repair I was uncertain of.💪

[@johnkeifer8188]

Love the fact that failure was related only to corrosion-Seat interference or total valve corrosion. Even I was smart enough to clear the seal interference, saved me a service call- Thx

[@expatusa6002]

Thank you so much for this ! You always explain things very clearly to those of us who need your help, and without being condescending, in any way. Definitely my go to guy for all things maintenance. Once again, thank you, and best wishes !

[@adayinthelifeofmo9243]

yours was the first video that came up when I searched for this issue....2:30 in, and my problem has been resolved. The flush out was all it needed. THANK YOU!!!!

[@robtronic]

So much info in under 10min… saved me a headache and some money! The cross section view was super helpful in understanding what’s happening in the valve. Thank you sir, Subbed!

[@jonathanthacker3791]

Appreciate you showing the internals of it. Does make it easier to figure out how/why to fix something if you know how it works.

[@jparra4766]

Thanks Scott. I followed your video and replaced my valve. Worked like a charm. It helps to know the tips and tricks. Thanks again.

[@user-fd9vc3dd1e]

I bought this water heater kzbin.infoUgkx8G49mV71sAzUl9shXyLW-r3XgHH9EVh1 for use in my bus conversion. I installed it under my kitchen sink and it is fed by a high efficiency on-demand LP water heater. It is both a backup hot water source as well as a water saving device since we have hot water on demand rather than having to wait for the gas on demand water heater to finish its ignition cycle. I decided on this water heater due to the fact that it only draws 1300watts when it's ON instead of the 1500 watts that most Water heaters this size draw. In an RV a couple hundred watts can be a big deal. With very low standby losses, I don't have to worry about excessive power consumption. When propane is not available for our gas water heater, in conjunction with our low flow shower head there is enough hot water available to shower, albeit we won't be taking "hotel showers." Also very happy with the recovery rate of this water heater. Granted, it is quite small, but it does exactly what we need it to do.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

10/10! Best instruction site for me, you cover EVERYTHING I need to know. I love the cutaway parts. Brilliant idea. Excellent instructor, Sir, thank you! 😄

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Johnnie, thanks so much for the kind words and support!

[@houkelienessek6895]

You explain every repair so well! Again and again! THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge.

[@andrewbrindescu6666]

I deal with pressure valve quite often.sometimes there is bleeder thank so it make more labor intense. Apreciate your effort to explained it, do come handy for the ones that don't know and is doing themselves

[@charlesnazare7358]

Thank you! Your videos are consistently high quality and easy to follow step by step.

[@eternal1199]

Great video. 1st option, actually increased the leak (once in a couple minutes drip to every second drip) once I opened, let it run, then closed the valve (mini buckets were already on standby). I'm assuming more build up made it's way through, not allowing the valve to close as before. I followed the steps and went to option two. The instructions were spot on. I changed the valve. No leaks, so far so good. I do believe the draining process (i did a combinatiom of a flush and gravity drain for the 10gallons), disrupted the sediment build up. So my water is running light brown. Lets see how long b4 that normalizes. Thanks again.

[@dosplunder]

Same here. Made the leak worse! Looks like a new valve is in order but video was helpful!

[@herbbot8241]

You need to flip it on and off a few times quickly hopefully that works if you didn't replace yet

[@ingteckwee360]

I have the same thing. One drop per 30 second or 1 min. Brand new house for only 2 years. Is the valve needed to change?

[@3gablestube]

Excellent tutorial, I changed the valve which had stuck a long time ago and was now dripping seriously. I hadn't realised the valve should be occasionally exercised. I was dreading getting a plumber out (£100 to have a look...) but did this myself easily for a £23.00 replacement valve.

[@michaelsopher5048]

Thanks for cutting that relief valve, it was very interesting to see. That was a smart thing to do.

[@mrydobon]

Thank you for the fantastic video! I was able to follow your instructions step by step -- including having to wrestle the old one out and remembering to reattached the hot water outlet. The changing process stirred up some sediment in my pipes, so I had to run my hot water for a little while to clear out the sediment with the air bubbles. But it works great, and I'll take better care of my new valve.

[@Sparky-ww5re]

When I was a teen living in the old farmhouse all to many years ago lol. We came home after hauling a trailer load of cattle to the slaughter house, turn the bathroom faucet on to wash my hands and the water was searing hot, the T&P valve gushing full blast water was nearly steam. So we threw the breaker off, went to home depot to get a new thermostat for the upper and lower, only this time it kept popping the reset button after the tank kept overheating. Turns out the lower element had split near the middle and was grounding out, completing the 120 V to ground thru the tank and heated non stop regardless of the thermostat. By the time we figured it out the store were closed, so everyone had the privilege of taking a cold shower for the night before bed. 😆

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good story 👊 and cold shower are good for you 🥶

[@marshallbowden7165]

Great Instrution Video. Direct and to the point, thanks for not jumping through the procedures. Had to change the complete valve.

[@captureitjoel9843]

Thanks for the informative video… I did both steps as releasing the valve didn’t work. Your video guided me through it and made it easy! Great job 👏🏻

[@BruceThaJuiceBanner]

Thank you! Super helpful! Had negative double digit temps for past 2 weeks- fixed well, inline plumbing etc but this was the final fix & saved a lot of time/$ on a house call. Will def subscribe!

[@BRAMBIN_MCSHAMBIN]

Thanks for the video man! Came home to water all over the floor. Hardware stores closed, but flushing worked for me. Again THANK YOU 😁

[@markgaydos6442]

Great video, followed all the tips and it all worked with no more leak.

[@larryseibold4287]

Great instructional video. I recommend that you do another video showing the replacement of the anode rod and flushing. I recommend an aluminum rod vs magnesium, as it works 90% as well and lasts 3-4 times longer in testing. Also, I recommend changing that plastic drain valve to a full port brass valve to allow the large sediment to pass when draining and not break during service. Note removing the anode (1-1/16 socket) is difficult. I find that it is best to use an impact wrench (after depressurizing the tank :)).

[@vetralinet3607]

Nice! Had to do fix #2 but really easy to follow instructions. And a 20$ fix rather than a call-out to a tech! Thanks!

[@JoseOrtega-oc9ip]

Thank you for posting this video. Just fixed my faulty Relief Valve, following your instructions.

[@stevesmith3556]

Clearing the valve seems to have helped. I have old pipes and there was some rust debris stuck in the valve after clearing it. Good tips👍

[@HeyWatchMeGo]

Thanks. Happy this video was clear and to the point, and that there isn't some irritating music!

[@anthonyhill5637]

Opening and closing my old valve worked for me. Sure enough sediment shot out and it stopped leaking. Thank you!

[@michaellongoria647]

Awesome information, thanks for showing what a used valve looks like. Actually shows what I’m getting into

[@ncooty]

Another clear, useful video. Great job on making the cut-away parts. Thanks!

[@Neolythic121]

Exercising the valve worked a treat. Thank you! I’ll set a reminder to do that once or twice a year.

[@attheendoftheday8969]

Good to know. About to try this

[@Brunietoons]

Step 1 worked like a charm. Thanks for explaining how it works!

[@whocares0692]

Great video. I changed mine about 2 years ago and it was easy. And I'm not sharpest tool in the shed.

[@bobgrover6143]

great instruction video. just went through flushing the valve and turned tank heater back on to see if that fixed it. Ill be back for other DYI videos!

[@gnic76]

Nice! Good tip about checking the temperature sensor, I didn't know you could test that with a heat gun.

[@rkarlschmidt]

11/10 Thanks for great instructions. Was able to replace valve for $18.00 and less than 1/2 hour of work.

[@dejapex1]

You do an excellent job at explaining the steps required to fix either issue. I can follow easily . I tried the easy and it does not seem to work.Thank you

[@williamsisson9758]

Thank you so much. Hot started leaking steadily. I lifted handle and brown water came out for a minute. I let in run out for a minute or two then let go.leak stopped. You were so I credibly helpful. Thanks again

[@wendyparker7363]

This was a huge help. Thanks so much for explaining this so clearly!

[@squidly1117]

I just replaced our water heater and this valve was leaking! Thanks for the tip to flush it out - that seems to have worked!

[@gene1647]

You explain everything so well that I have learned so much from your videos.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the support Gene, we will keep the videos coming 👍

[@jross13450]

Thanks for the info. You may have just saved me from having to get a new hot water heater on Christmas day. I have the same Hot water heater and my pilot light went out on it. went outside and flipped the pressure relief lever and now it is leaking water from the valve. Hopefully I can get a replacement valve in the next couple days

[@zakkazi9936]

Thank you for this excellent video. The sediment in the valve is the problem.

[@GoblinBlaster3000]

Great video with clear instructions. Was able to swap out my pressure relief valve no problem

[@davekoenig4210]

Thank you for the video ... I just had to flush and it quit leaking..without your help I would not have had a clue..Thanks again

[@user-tz8wx1ev8b]

Had to replace the entire value. thanks for the step by step directions.

[@radomircarapic5109]

Amazing tutorial, clean instruction, big money saver. Thank you!

[@larmiger]

great video, I enjoy all the details you add in. I didn't hear anything about electric water heaters but might want to add in the other type as well. like if you have an electric water heater shut off the power at the breaker before you drain any water and only turn it back on you fill the tank back up. else you will fry the elements. anyhoo keep up the good work.

[@dennispoirier8420]

Flushing fixed my drip problem. Thanks for sharing

[@beltfedhate]

Thank you so much for sharing. I was cramping my pants thinking I had to replace to tank. Mine was leaking pretty bad. Flushed it and it stopped leaking. I’ll keep an eye on it to see if it leaks.

[@ReynoldRedekopp]

Very helpful!! I did one thing differently. I drained water by taking out the relief valve. It's a bit messay at first, but it flushes out all the sediment from the fitting so you don't really risk the sediment falling into the tank.

[@AlipashaSadri]

Nice! I actually had the exact same problem a few months ago and the first solution worked :)

[@nicolethomas2210]

Omg the first one worked I was about to cry 😂😂😂😂 thank youuuu no more leaking

[@ecu8r]

Excellent well explained video, I'm ready to start testing this yearly.

[@nathanseaman963]

Very helpful! Clear explanation of the parts of the tank and valve👍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

Great advice and reminders 🤔 THANKS SCOTT 💚💚💚

[@EliannyCardoso]

THAAAAAAAAAAANK YOU 🙌🏼💗 At least for now, problem is solved. The day you decided to post this to help other people, that was God touching your heart. 🙏🏼 God bless you 🙏🏼

[@chasew1653]

Cross sectional view of valve was nice to see. thanks

[@karathrace8541]

You are an amazing teacher! Instant subscribe!

[@rcub3577]

Amazing. I just did this and taught my 11yo how to do it, all in about 15min. Thank you!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Heck yeah 🙌

[@claudiopujols544]

Thank you I was able to replace the valve. You are the best.

[@Sam-ey1nn]

If the pressure relief valve looks like that, I can only imagine what the inside of the tank looks like! And the anode!

[@thomasdurante394]

Great video, thanks for posting. I'm always having to look at the plumbing in a 100 year old house, and I never REALLY know what I'm doing, but videos like yours are a lifesaver. My question is my old plumber left a valve rated at 100,000 BTUs, but the valve that is on the heater is 105,000. Is it safe to use the lesser value valve?

[@ericwilliamklifteesr6286]

Excellent and awesome tutorial!! Very informative and precise.

[@shirlenemoore9128]

Great video. Concise and to the point 😊

[@sdinim8695]

Step 1️⃣ worked for me thanks. 🙏

[@1Rancor1]

Thank you so much. Your a life saver! The initial flush worked.

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

Nice vid. To the point and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@100vg]

Thanks! I forgot about water heater maintenance.

[@ismaelgonzalez3501]

Thank you for the video! I had to my sediment had to replace it

[@yaucomd3772]

Excellent video, clear and concise...

[@geneborne5]

Excellent to the point information. Very good informational video.

[@HolyUzuki]

Very clear and informative, thank you.

[@anitamclaughlin327]

Wow! So my tank has been leaking for a while. I thought it was over heating issue. I flushed the tank yesterday till it was clear. Last night it was leaking really bad at the pop off. I saw your video I just had to try it. Well good thing it worked!! Wow now just drying the area out. I'm going to flush that valve out a couple times a year and do the tank once a year. I am on well water so lots of hard water lime. My last tank lasted about 10 years with no flushing 🤣. Thank you!

[@deepakyadavj]

Thank you First step fixed my problem.

[@GordiansKnotHere]

Great explanation man, Thanks very much!

[@BraveHelios]

Great video! Not sure if you have run into this... I have a gas water heater and as of recent, it seems that the first use of the day (usually a shower), the water maxes out at a luke-warm temperature. Once that shower is over, the next use of the water heater is another shower around an hour later. For that use/shower, the water comes out much warmer. The thermostat on the heater is set to the main setting (large mark on the t-stat knob). We had the accumulator tank replaced recently (sits on top of the water heater tank) and they also drained the 50 gallon water heater tank at the same time. The water heater itself is around 15 years old. No water conditioner is installed. I do not know if this an issue before the repair since we were not living in the home at that time but I am pretty sure that since the repair was made, this is how the water heater seems to be working now. Any thoughts, tips? Thanks!

[@RJ42997]

Thank you for the great video! Would I also be able to open the relief valve to create a vacuum for draining?

[@hassanbazzi3545]

This is a great. I will definitely keep the video for reference. I have been going through water heaters. This is my third one in five years. Great video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Hassan! Dang, 3 in 5 years is a bit aggressive. Wonder if there is something else going on. 🤔

[@jonj3233]

Richmonds?

[@jagman745]

Thank you for the informative video. The valve on my water heater is on the top, I don't know if the valve itself is leaking but I noticed water leaking on top of the water heater where the valve fits into the water heater so I'm thinking about replacing the entire water heater. 🤔 the water heater looked really good when I moved into my house a little over 7 years ago. I told myself to do some maintenance on it periodically but I never did😕. There's what looks like calcium build up on the hot water line going into the house and with this leak I noticed today I'm inclined to just replace it. I got an estimate from a plumber, he said it would cost around $1200, probably more ...hence I'm on KZbin looking for info so I can do it myself.

[@vickielabraque7057]

I was getting two 3 pound coffee cans a day leaking. The flush did the trick. No drips!!! Thanks,

[@ericlockridge4897]

Same little orange cup my kids use for water...lol. Nice!

[@RContreras01]

Flushing worked. Thanks for uploading this.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@michaelmaul2634]

Thank you. Just flushed it 3 times. Now it closes. Holiday hot water usage was very high.

[@nrhurley117]

This was very well explained.

[@patrickmcclellan8726]

excellent video. you nailed it, thank you!!

[@Sparky-ww5re]

If the valve keeps leaking after it's replaced, here's another troubleshooting tip. A slow drip indicates a pressure problem. In some situations a check valve or pressure reducing valve is installed, this does not allow water to expand back into the main as it's heated. In this situation there should be an expansion tank installed. If the valve sporadically opens full force and the water is extremely hot, you have a temperature problem. You should check for a faulty thermostat or a grounded heating element.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good stuff Kyle, appreciate the additional tips 👍👍

[@davidkahler9390]

I had a failed expansion tank once, so that's another possibility.

[@margretblair5389]

I had a slight drip from the drain pipe. Switched it back an forth a few times and it appeared to have resolved it. I installed a new one but it has a longer shank. Completely flushed flushed it. Now I have keep shutting off the cold water. I didn't see this video until after. I was able too use the water heater. Just had too turn the cold water off after use. Small drip and start. Now it comes out the drain pipe quit a bit more. I keep the tank temperature high an always have. Nothing I can't see can't live in high temperature. But I could hear air bigtime phseww. But I did not replace the exact same. Not sure what could be the problem. The new part sticks outside the tank longer making it actually easier to remove the drain pipe. Total length is the same threads and all? Pilot lights all that is good. I'm lost on what to do next.

[@Rebel4sho]

@@margretblair5389 A spelling check might be a good place to start!

[@lukeblackford1677]

Calcium and other minerals in the water, not sediment, is building up and causing the valve to malfunction. That wouldn’t happen if the valve wasn’t opening slightly every time you use a lot of hot water and the water heater heats up ( and expands) all the cold water that replaced it. An expansion tank would prevent the tank pressure from reaching 150 psi and opening the valve under normal conditions.

[@mitchevans8520]

Just Flushing, Worked Perfect, No More Drips. After Turning Up Temp. THANKS,.!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@WebbChannel1]

GREAT VIDEO!! You touched on the exact issue I was looking to fix. I'm going to try the simple test now, and hope that will solve it.

[@WebbChannel1]

Scott, I just looked over your videos and there are many DIY projects that I could use - SO, AS MY THANKS I gave you a thumbs up and subscribed too. God Bless and thanks again.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Awesome, welcome to the channel and thanks for the support 👍

[@CrosshairLunchbox]

I flushed mine and it fixed it. Nice! Thank you!!

[@dirtydoggeze4967]

flushing the sediment worked for me thanks for the video will be subscribing