I have a Richmond gas water heater that's only about four years old, and I'm noticing it leaking from the pressure relief valve. How common is this issue? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. I'm planning to exercise the valve later today, but still seems odd for a heater this new.
3 Answers
Valves can definitely go bad, but four years is quite young for that to happen. You could try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet after exercising it, as it's a $25 fix if it starts acting up again.
I think it’s more common than you'd expect! I had to replace mine when it started leaking, and my house was only a few years old too. I found a helpful YouTube video for the replacement, and it was pretty straightforward.
I've owned a few hot water heaters, and they didn't leak. At least replacements aren't too expensive and usually pretty easy to swap out.
Leaks typically happen either from the threaded connection or within the valve itself, but it shouldn't leak from the inside unless there's too much pressure or mineral buildup affecting the seal.
That’s exactly what I did! It seems to be working fine for now.