Water Heater Leaking

[Sandra]

I have had this water heater since at least 2000 and today I noticed about a 3" puddle of water beneath the long copper pipe (see photographs). What is the purpose of that pipe and why every once in awhile a drop of water will now drip from it? Again, have never seen this in the last 16 years or so.

Thank you!

 

[voletl]

That is a temperature and pressure relief valve a safety device. overtime which yours has it developed a leak all you need to do is replace it.

Shut the water off that supplies the water heater and kill the power drain enough water out of the tank to which when you unscrew the valve water won't be gushing out pop in the new one and reattach the pipe

 

[Sandra]

That is a temperature and pressure relief valve a safety device. overtime which yours has it developed a leak all you need to do is replace it.

Shut the water off that supplies the water heater and kill the power drain enough water out of the tank to which when you unscrew the valve water won't be gushing out pop in the new one and reattach the pipe

Thank you!

 

[havasu]

The bigger question is "why" it started leaking.

Just sayin'

 

[Matt30]

That's the first I've noticed a water heater with 2 different watt elements

 

[KULTULZ]

That's the first I've noticed a water heater with 2 different watt elements

Energy savings. The upper element gives a quicker recover time.

 

[KULTULZ]

The bigger question is "why" it started leaking.

Just sayin'

Install 2/19/92

It's been leaking for a while according to the discharge tube.

 

[spcwaters]

I have had this water heater since at least 2000 and today I noticed about a 3" puddle of water beneath the long copper pipe (see photographs). What is the purpose of that pipe and why every once in awhile a drop of water will now drip from it? Again, have never seen this in the last 16 years or so.



Thank you!

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Save yourself the hassle, and the property damage.

Replace the heater, it's been cooking since '92, it's done it's time.

 

[frodo]

spcwaters has given you good advice.

the image of the plate shows it to be a 1992 water heater. 24 year old water heater

you can replace the T&P valve for 30 bucks. but your heater is old and tired