Hot Water Relief Valve Drip Normal?
When the electric heat to the hot water tank is on, there is a slight drip from the hot water heater relief valve. We do not know if it happens with Propane heat. Is this normal or is there a prob...
Forum Discussion
Clay L wrote:
Regarding why the air doesn't leak out - that is puzzling - but the fact is it doesn't and the pocket does prevent weeping.
I believe the water is just above the relief valve when the water is hot and perhaps the water can push on and compress the air easier than weeping from the valve?
That is because the PRV seals (valve against seat) when closed.
The air pocket allows for expansion of the water when heated (water is strange----it expands when heated and when frozen)
Without air pocket the heated water expands and pressure increases because water can not be compressed (air can). When temp/pressure increases it can cause the PRV to weep. The WH is a mini boiler and the PRV is a safety device to prevent explosion due to increased temp/pressure. Typically set at 210*F/150 psi---resets at 125 psi.
