We have a water heater in our basement that has what appears to be an overflow hose attached to it that leads to a drain in the floor. This hose seems to run more than a little bit. Not constantly but I'd say at least once a day for an hour. I'm concerned that we are wasting a lot of water. I guess I'm just trying to find out if this is normal or not. and if it isn't normal if anyone has any suggestions as to how to curtail the problem without calling and ~expensive~ plumber.
Thanks,
Catherine
2007-07-20 02:19:12 · 7 answers · asked by oiprocs_1975 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
But I assume since there is a hose attached to the water heater and the hose leads to the drain that that hose was put there for a reason?
2007-07-20 02:53:10 · update #1
Where that is leaking from is called "a pressure relief valve" it is designed to pop off if the water temperature gets too hot, hot enough to make the tank rupture.... this is a safety valve..is yoru water coming out of the faucet way to hot? If so the thermostat needs turned down..If the answer is no, it isn't too hot..then the prv(pressure relief valve) is faulty, and if not replaced it will eventually spew open and water will run on your ground at a rate of about 7 gallons a minute..it is very easy to replace...turn the hot water heater off at the breaker..if gas at the valve...attach a water hose on the water heater drain nozzle...take the hose outside, and open the valve...keeep in mind if any plants, dogs, or children are around..let the water cool..for it will scald...The hose you see goes right into the prv...take it off..unscrew the prv..put a new one in(take the old one to diy with you) for they come in different temperature ranges.....take the new one...put teflon tape around the threads..screqw it back in..hook the hose back up...turn water supply on, let it fill, then turn the thermostat back on..Here is a link with pictures discussing the excact thing I just mentioned
2007-07-20 03:04:57 · answer #1 · answered by pcbeachrat 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I wonder who put all the negatives on the correct answers? As the others pointed out, there is no overflow on a water heater. There is a pressure relief valve and it is leaking. Someone put the hose on it rather than to replace it. You can replace it yourself if you have the tools and are a little bit handy. If not, a plumber will not charge that much to replace it. You will save enough water to pay for it.
2007-07-20 03:42:54 · answer #2 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the "overflow" you are referring to is actually the Temerature/pressure relief valve, you have a problem that needs to be fixed. This valve only opens for one of three reasons. 1) High pressure 2) High temperature 3) It is a bad valve and needs to be replaced. This valve can be replaced by you. Get a new one at a Home Center or hardware. Turn off the power source (gas or electric). Turn off the water supply valve. Drain the tank to below the valve and replace it.
2007-07-20 03:03:03 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Turn the thermostat down to a lower temperature and if that doesnt stop the leak - replace the pressure relief valve.
2007-07-20 04:52:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the valve has popped. you need a new one and make sure the elements are not set too high, that is probably what happened. they may need replaced or you may need a new water heater. if you must replace, get an electronic one, it will save you alot of money!
2007-07-20 03:11:03 · answer #5 · answered by Jack the Toad 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not normal at all, you shouldn't be getting any water from the water heater at all except from the taps. I'd be calling in a plumber asap.
2007-07-20 02:35:34 · answer #6 · answered by wolfatrest2000 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's a pressure regulator..sensible man answered your question correctly
2007-07-20 09:09:45 · answer #7 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋