How to Repair Hot Water Heater Dripping: DIY Tips

Is it normal for a water heater to drip? What can I do?

What if there is water heater dripping from the relief valve or a fixture during the unit's recovery cycle and when hot and cold water are no used?

In this article you will find out what causes dripping and how to fix it.

Water heater dripping problem and what you can do about it

1. TPR valve can cause water dripping
2. What happens during thermal expansion
3. How to test a water heater for thermal expansion
4. Solution

What causes water heater dripping

Whether you have gas-powered or electric water heater, note that the puddle of water under the unit is often related to water leaking and condensation.

Before we tackle the problem, let's see what the relief valve, expansion tank, and thermal expansion are, how these elements are related to the dripping water issue, and what can be done to help troubleshoot.

The TPR valve, as the cause of water dripping

TPR valve
(photo: amazon)

The temperature and pressure relief valve or short TPR is the safety feature designed to reduce the buildup pressure inside the tank by releasing hot water. The buildup pressure results from the thermal expansion inside the system – especially when the temperature and pressure go beyond allowed levels.

The TPR valve is used to release that pressure so the water heater tank and elements do not get too much stress, which can lead to creaking metal sound, flue distortion and exhaust gas leak, premature element failure, deformation, bulging, even rupture.

Occasional water heater dripping from the TPR valve is the reason why you will see some wet spots at the end of the discharge pipe.

What happens during thermal expansion?

Thermal expansion followed by the extreme pressure and temperature problem, as explained, happens when water is heated in the closed system – a system that has one-way valves such as back-flow valves, pressure reducing valves, check valves, or even water softeners.

When water is heated in such a system, it expands and increases its volume putting pressure on the heater and plumbing system. Therefore, an expansion tank must be installed to compensate for increased water volume.

How to test a water heater for thermal expansion

Expansion tank
(photo: amazon)

Before installing an expansion tank, make sure to confirm the thermal expansion in the water heater by performing the following test:

• Reduce the temperature on the thermostat to its minimum.
• Install the water pressure gauge on the drain valve.
• Open the drain valve.
• Open a hot water tap to release some water (up to 20% of the stored water).
• Close the drain valve.
• Ensure none of the fixtures are open.
• Ensure there is no leaking on any of the taps or connections.
• Increase the temperature on the thermostat so the unit can start heating water.

If the system is closed, the pressure will start increasing fast and steady.

Once the pressure reaches the maximum value set on the TPR valve, the valve will open and release some water, followed by the pressure drop. The valve will remain closed if the pressure inside the system does not exceed this value – otherwise, you will see dripping.

Solutions for thermal expansion and water heater dripping

One of the solutions for hot water dripping from the TPR valve or faucet is simple - install a pressure relief valve - PRV, and the expansion tank on the supply line.

The PRV valve is needed to reduce the water pressure from the municipality pipeline system if it is high. The water heater operates with a maximum pressure between 40 and 60 psi while the maximum pressure of the incoming water can reach 80 psi – so it must be reduced.

The expansion tank is usually installed on the cold-water side, on the incoming water pipe, between the check valve and water heater. It is designed as a small tank with two chambers, one side containing air under pressure and the other side filled with water - connected to plumbing, and the rubber diaphragm that divides these two chambers.

The rubber diaphragm can move, depending on the inside pressure – so when water pressure increases, the diaphragm moves toward the air chamber, compressing the air, taking the extra water, and reducing the pressure. For residential use, the device is designed to deal with pressures up to 150 psi.

With these elements installed, and if you repeat the above test, you will see that the pressure on the gauge will increase slightly (not sharp and high) and will keep that way throughout the heating process. The portion of water that has expanded and the pressure will not put any stress on the tank or element, as it has been released into the expansion tank.

Conclusion

A dripping pressure relief valve is a good indicator of the thermal expansion – do not replace the element right away; perform the test as the valve might not be broken.

Thermal expansion, followed by extreme pressure and temperature, can be very dangerous; it can affect normal water heater operation and even cause irreparable damages.

Therefore, even if the building code doesn't require installation of the expansion tank, it is recommended to install one. Talk to your plumber to install the right size and pressurize it correctly. Also, once a year, check out the elements to confirm their functionality.