I have a GE Hot water heater which is about 1 1/2 yrs old. 3 days ago the overflow valve started spewing water. I cut off the cold water and about 2 hrs later everything was fine. Now again the same thing. There's no drain so the water drains in a bucket and then overflows on the floor. Help!

Should be on top of the water heater cold water supply.

If the water continues when electricity is discontinued the soleoid valve is jammed open, a fleck of rust or something, not designed to be repaired, it is easier and cheaper to replace. they are a standard part that fits 99% of all washers ~$10-20 at the local parts guy.

Usually only the cold solenoid has failed. it gets used more often.
If you are like me and only use cold water, swap the hoses on the taps, and swap the wire connectors on the solenoid valves, so the former hot is now cold, and you will get about the same number of years before you have to replace anything

Amdrol makes indirect-fired water heater that gets heat from a boiler
http://www.amtrol.com/boilermate.htm

1) Pdf manual on amdrol website show a mixing valve that mixes cold water with the hot water so water temperature going to faucet stays the same:
http://www.amtrol.com/pdf/MC10169%20BMconstantempflyer.pdf
You set the temperature of the mixing valve.
You can also set up 2 sets of pipes ... one is connected to mixing valve that goes to sinks and tubs. The other pipe bypasses mixing valve sends hotter water to washing machine.



2) The manual for Amdrol:
http://www.amtrol.com/pdf/9040-586%2001_09%20BoilerMate%20Indirect%20IO.pdf
The new models has a temperature sensor that plugs into digital readout.
This is a thermistor sensor wire that can be ordered as repair part

3) Amdrol has e-mail address:
[email protected]

4) You can post your question on a water heater forum
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

time to replace the starter solenoid

4yrs isn't very long, but I do believe the mixer needs a new cartridge in it. unless you have a loose knob/handle.But I don't thnk so. The temps should change almost immediatley. Have someone change the cartridge. It may need a special tool. If you think you can, do it yourself, the tool comes with full instructions. Make sure it does, consult with the pkumbing person .

Either your water control valve is leaking while off or ice has formed in the fill tube for the ice maker causing the water to spew in directions other than the ice maker or both. A new water control valve may be needed. Part number WR57X10050 Let me know if this helps. Sea Breeze

sounds like the water shut off valve at the heater is partially open or blocked. check to see all valves are open except the vent valve.

your washer valve is sticking, it should probably be replaced

Yes the valve will have to be replaced. This is a common problem as machines get older.
Thankyou for using Fixya.

There is a mixing valve normally located (and part of) the threaded connection for the hoses on the back of the machine.
These are junk when new and fail often.
The water heater replacement may have resulted in some ‘stuff’ getting into the lines and interfering with the mixer operation.

If one source is working and the other isn't, you may have screens at both ends of the water hoses and one end is clogged.

Removing the back panel is pretty easy and the valve is normally not tough to reach and often held in place by 1 or 2 screws only, with 1/4" or 3/8" heads.

If you have a Johnstone Supply in your area, the part will cost about half as much as from GE or Sears.