Leaking water heater

[Hopelesshomeowner]

So my water heater is putting out roughly 4cups x min. We are usnsure where the leak is coming from and the plumber is off (Sunday). Does anyone know what it could be? Attached are a picture of all pipes in and out of the heater. The red one is leaking directly into the sump pump. The other picture is an attachment on the pipe that we aren’t sure what it’s for. Thanks!

 

[breplum]

It appears to be a relief valve, and should have some i.d.on it.
Generally, it shouldn't be needed. Water heaters only need a temp. /pressure relief valve as indicated in yellow location in your image.

 

[Twowaxhack]

They’re most likely using that relief valve for thermal expansion control.

 

[Hopelesshomeowner]

They’re most likely using that relief valve for thermal expansion control.

What would cause it to leak so much all of a sudden?

 

[Hopelesshomeowner]

They’re most likely using that relief valve for thermal expansion control.

What would cause it to leak so much all of a sudden?

 

[Twowaxhack]

What would cause it to leak so much all of a sudden?

If it’s leaking 24/7 it’s probably defective.

It all leaks eventually, that’s why I always say that simple is better. The more things in a system the more possibilities there are.

 

[Hopelesshomeowner]

If it’s leaking 24/7 it’s probably defective.

It all leaks eventually, that’s why I always say that simple is better. The more things in a system the more possibilities there are.

Thank you! My husband just heard back from the plumber and apparently that pipe is against code now.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Thank you! My husband just heard back from the plumber and apparently that pipe is against code now.

It’s been against most codes for a while because those little valves are not listed and most are not lead free.

It was probably used for thermal expansion. You’ll need to provide another method of thermal expansion control. There are several methods, consult your plumber.