Water heater's overflow leaking- losing a lot of water
 

Not sure what to do here. It started like a month ago. The pipe runs outside on our back porch. It is constintly wet and soaks in the carpet. No DIY network ever teaches you about plumbing ( must be an art) any suggestions? :confused:

Is the water heater the only thing connected to that pipe? If not, the leak could be from somewhere else.

If it is, how old is the unit? Usually that pipe is for overflow, and it could be that the fill valve is sticky.

Call a plumber. The ones who don't consider themselves artists are cheaper. A new valve would be much cheaper.

...surprized to see this in the //fun zone//.

Yeah, this doesn't sound like much fun at all! I've moved it to Tilted Knowledge and How-To.

Your temperature and pressure relief valve has most likely gone bad.

It could also be a cracked dip tube.

Do you own or rent the hot water heater? If you rent it, just call the utility. Otherwise get a plumber in there.

Also, if you have to replace it, you should consider replacing it with an inline water heater, especially if you have natural gas heating.

I would anticipate that the overflow valve is stuck open. If not, it is definitely broken and needs to be replaced. Believe it or not, this is not at art. As long as the drain line is screwed to the valve and pair of channel locks will remove it. After that, take a pipe wrench and remove the valve. It is a very cheap fix. Make sure to use pipe dope when reattaching. Be gentle but firm when loosening and tightening. You don't want to damage the water heater. Good luck!

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I think I am a handyman, but don't ask my wife!