2006-06-28 08:40:52 · 17 answers · asked by Lemon 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Be careful here. Some of the suggestions above are down right dangerous.
I'm assuming that you're talking about the pipe that comes out of the pressure relief valve on the top of the water heater and that there is water dripping out the end of the pipe. If this is the case, most likely you have a bad pressure relief valve. Sometimes these can wear out over time but it can also be caused by excessive water pressure.
I would suggest you call a plumber. He should be able to replace the valve for whatever his minimum service charge is plus the cost of the valve which is minimal. Have him check your water pressure while he's there. If it is high it will cost a few bucks to have a pressure regulator installed but it will prevent a number of problems in the future.
2006-06-28 08:53:26 · answer #1 · answered by BigDave 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not sure which pipe your referring to ,but If it's the t&p valve which is a brass valve either on the upper side or top of your water heater it will need to be replaced. It unscrews out of the water heater. The problem is it is usually attached to a 3/4 copper pipe that drains to the exterior. It would have to be cut to unscrew the t&p and then resoldered using a coupling. If it's a water supply line leaking I ussually cut out the section and sweat on a 3/4 flex line from the water heater to the pipe coming out of the wall. Both jobs will cost around $140 for a plumber. When working around a water heater don't forget to shut off the breaker. You don't know how well the wires are attached inside the wire nuts while you are rubbing up against the conduit+ some water will run out of the pipe when you cut it.
2006-06-28 11:24:15 · answer #2 · answered by vreels man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am assuming you are referring to the hot water line? If the leak is at a fitting, then you will have to turn off the cold supply, open a hot water tap in the house, drain some water out of the heater and re-solder the joint. If the leak is actually a split in the pipe, you are flirting with disaster as the pipe may well split at any time and flood whatever room the heater is in. The fix there would be the same as above, BUT you will have to cut out the damaged section of pipe and replace it using couplings.
Been there, done that!
2006-06-28 08:45:29 · answer #3 · answered by Bullfrog_53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is the pressure relief valve and it is not a constant drip, you have a heater control problem. The purpose of the relief valve is to keep the tank from overheating, it is a very important safety valve. A constant drip would suggest a worn out valve, but a sporadic one could be dangerous, try changing the valve, be sure that it carries the EXACT rating as the old valve and the pipe that carries the water out MUST be the same size as the thread of the relief valve, absolutely no smaller. If your control is not working the new valve will blow sporadically, and then you must consult a professional.
2016-03-27 07:10:16 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds dirty but I know what your problem is, lol The pressure relief valve is getting lime on it and not sealing all the way. Open the valve up a few times and slam it closed. Not the one that looks like a garden hose... this valave looks like a 1/2 of a pen cap... but metal... hard to explain.
2006-06-28 08:43:18 · answer #5 · answered by Mike Hunt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a copper pipe and to stop leak it will require a torch and sauter(needs to be sweated in)This could be a supply line or a hot water line and could run up your water and/or power bill.Might ned to call a plumber for that one.
2006-06-28 09:57:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your water heater feeds your tap supply to your sink in your kitchen, I wouldn't recommend any sort of putty for that sort of job, I would recommend taping it up with tin tape, and call a plumber to fix it, it needs to be re welded.
2006-06-28 08:44:02 · answer #7 · answered by lovpayne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhh, are you sure it's not linked to the AC? Air conditioners can have a drip that leaves a green stain over time, that's normal. If it's that, make sure you have it lead outside.
2006-06-28 08:44:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a copper flex hose or rigid copper pipe? Replace the hose if it is a flex hose or get a copper repair coupling and repair it with soldering....if you are not familiar with soldering call a plumber.
2006-06-28 08:48:53 · answer #9 · answered by Teri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to cover the threads with some teflon tape and that should fix your leak.
2006-06-28 08:45:46 · answer #10 · answered by synchronicity915 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋