Water heater drain

[David P. OKeefe]

Water heater drain line was dripping during today's inspection. Ran water for dishwasher and checked for hot water in bathrooms only. Found the drain dripping, it stopped after awhile. Anyone know why it would start and stop? 17 year old heater.

[Christopher Currins]

bad valve.....17 yrs. old

[David P. OKeefe]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

bad valve.....17 yrs. old

Shouldn't it leak all the time though?

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Shouldn't it leak all the time though?

Define two things, "All the time" and "Leak".

You observed it leaking, report that and move on.

[Bruce A. King]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Water heater drain line was dripping during today's inspection. Ran water for dishwasher and checked for hot water in bathrooms only. Found the drain dripping, it stopped after awhile. Anyone know why it would start and stop? 17 year old heater.

It would have to be related to changes in water temp at the lower portion as cold water enters (thermal contraction) to cause the problem to come and go. Or, the tank pressure went up during a period of heating with zero hot water usage that caused thermal expansion to cause the problem to show up.
It might need a thermal expansion tank or valve added in addition to a new water heater. I would never advise repairing a tank that old except as a temporary fix by replacing the leaky drain valve. The next leak will probably be much worse.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

The heater is past the normal lifespan. Don't waste money or time changing the valve. Put a garden hose cap on it for $2.99 and replace the heater when needed.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Stephen -

I sure hope you're joking, because if NOT and you cap the guys TPR valve or drain line / YOU just made a 4 1/2' tall hand grenade that could kill somebody.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by dbowers

Stephen -

I sure hope you're joking, because if NOT and you cap the guys TPR valve or drain line / YOU just made a 4 1/2' tall hand grenade that could kill somebody.

Talking about the 'tank' drain, not the TPR drain. At least that is how I read post #1.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by dbowers

Stephen -

I sure hope you're joking, because if NOT and you cap the guys TPR valve or drain line / YOU just made a 4 1/2' tall hand grenade that could kill somebody.

It is not the TPR drain line. It is the drain valve that is leaking. (see original photo) Capping that would do no harm as it is designed to be closed.

[Bob Elliott]

I think Dan mis read it.
Perhaps one only needs to turn the handle clockwise

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Is it just me, or does that TPR drain 90deg elbow look to be a size reduction?

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by jjonas

Is it just me, or does that TPR drain 90deg elbow look to be a size reduction?

It looks like an optical illusion. If you blow it up, it looks better. But then if I take my glasses off, it looks like there are two of them...

[Bob Elliott]

Anyone else notice the support post?

[David P. OKeefe]

Originally Posted by belliott

Anyone else notice the support post?

Yes I did. It's in the report.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

You're right, I hadn't blown up and looked at pic. When he said drain line leaks I thought TPR and ...... CAP it, you gotta be joking .... Please tell us you're joking.

Sorry Stephen