Why does the t&p valve leak on a new water heater and even a small leak with water turned off?

if it is the threads leaking., you can #1 shut the water heater down or turn it to pilot. #2 carefully loosen the top connector to the valve, #3 remove valve #4 apply teflon tape, usually 3 raps nO more than 5 to the male threads #5 carefully reassemble. turn from pilot to normal. if the water heater continues to leak it is possible that you observed leakage from the valve but the tank itself needs replaced. hope this helps.

Shut off unit then turn off water to house at water main out side. Drain water heater remove old valve install new

it could be a leak around an element if it is an electric heater.

What is the warranty on this tank?
Warranties covered failed tank.

Does the tank wall have a leak?
If the tank is leaking on top around inlet pipes, or leak is coming out of weld around TP valve, then water heater must be replaced.
Copy following link for troubleshooting and method for prolonging life of water heater by turning off heater except to make batches of hot water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

You can buy water heater at local box store. $350 for gas and $230 for electric, then get store coupon or offer 10% less than sticker price.
Electric water heater is simple to replace.
Gas water heater takes more steps, but how-to step-by-step appears on following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Hi,

To change a gas hot water heater thermostat you will need to first buy a new gas valve for your hot water heater. The gas vaive and the thermostat are integrated into one unit.

To replace the thermostat on a gas hot water heater you must follow these procedures....

1. Turn off the incoming water and drain the water heater.

2. remove the pilot tube, the burner gas tube and the thermocouple from the gas valve. Turn off the gas line and remove from the gas valve.

3. get a pump pliers or a wrench in behind the gas valve and turn the whole assembly CCW to remove it from the tank.

4. After appliying pipe dope or tape to the new gas valve threads, turn the new gas valve into the tank by turning in a CW direction. Be careful not to damage the small wires to the ECO. They are the little red wires on the back. If you break them the assembly is irreparably damaged.

5. reinstall the gas line, thermocouple, burner tube, and the pilot tube to the gas valve.

6. Fill tank with water. Make sure to open a hot water faucet and purge all air from the tank.

7. Check for leaks where the gas line hooks up with soapy water.

8. Relight pilot light and check operation.

9. Set the new temperature setting to a medium setting and then adjust the temperature to your likeing from there and adequate time for heating completely.

heatman101

As long as the heater is still working good and not leaking I would just replace the Temperature and pressure relief valve. To do this turn control knob on gas valve from on to pilot. This will maintain pilot so you won't have to relight later while keeping the burner from firing while you are replaceing t&p valve. Turn off water supply on cold water supply to water heater.If this valve won't work or you don't have one shut off supply to house. Do not attempt to remove t&p valve until you are sure water is off. Open hot water on faucet close to heater and drain a few gallons from water heater drain valve. Purchase new t&p valve at hardware store. They are pretty standard 3/4 inch male pipe thread, 150 p.s.i. rated. Use teflon tape to seal pipe threads ,4-5 wraps at least or pipe joint compound to seal threads You will need a pipe wrench to remove old valve. Turn it counterclockwise to lossen then remove. Have new valve ready to go to minimize water loss. Be carefule as water will still be hot. Install new valve and tighten securly. Turn water back on and check for leaks. Also shut off faucet you opened. Once you are satisfied there are no leaks turn gas valve to on and bleed air from several places. I hope this helps you. Thanks.

Hello, It sounds like your T & P relief valve is leaking and needs to be replaced. Over the years, corrosion prevents the valve from sealing properly if it's been opened. It is usually threaded into the top or upper side of the water heater with a pvc pipe attached to it for drainage. If you want to replace this valve, you can buy it at any hardware or home improvement store. Turn off the cold water shutoff valve on the top of the water heater and open the lever on the T & P valve to let it drain out the water. When the water level reaches below the T & P valve, it will stop draining. Then disassemble the pvc pipe if it's threaded, or if it's glued, cut off a section or fitting and replace it with a new one when you reassemble it. Use teflon tape to seal the threads on the new T & P valve. Wrap it around the threads 3-4 times in a clockwise direction with the threads pointed at you. To remove the T & P valve, you can use a 3/4" x 6" black iron or galvanized nipple as a leverage tool to untwist the valve from the water heater. Turn the cold water back on and make sure your thread seal is holding before filling it up all the way. Good luck! Douglas

What is the leaking pvc pipe connected to? The T & P valve on the side (or top) of the tank? Or is it an incoming cold or outgoing hot water line? If you have just lit the water heater, the T & P valve may drip, but only for a little while and it will stop. The T & P (temperature and pressure relief) valve may be bad and need replaced. Turn off the incoming cold water valve and turn the gas valve to off position. Then drain the water heater using the T & P valve, it will stop draining when the water level is just below it. Remove the T&P valve and replace with new one. Use thread sealing tape on threads. Or call a plumber if not sure.

T&P valves are designed to release with excess pressure or high temps. But it is not uncommon to get a faulty one. If that is the case, it is fairly easy to replace. If the water heater is new, the vender where you purchased it may be willing to give you a new t&p. Otherwise they are usualy around $10 to $15. Hope this helps.

Hi,
Once in a while flicking the little handle will reseat the valve or release whatever dirt is under it. Usually not...
Your best bet is to replace it.
Turn off your hot water heater and drain the water down past the valve. It jusr screws out and the new one will screw back in.
You can find a new valve at any hardware, HomeDepot or Lowe's they are not exspensive at at.

I hope that this will help you to solve your problem!

Thanks for using Fixya!!

Heatman101