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Blog Entry 5 of 39 Got a small plumbing job and don't want to pay big
Does the sink clog up on you every month? Wondering if you need a water filter and what type should you get? How about paying someone to winterize your sprinklers and swamp cooler when you could do it for next to nothing. When is it time to call in a professional and what do I look for in choosing one. I am a master plumber who's been in the business for 25 years. I've worked for many outfits (some reputable, some not) and I'm here to help as I dive into the world of journalism. C'mon in and lay on the couch...now...what's bothering you? Contact Dr. Plumb by clicking "send me a message" in the contributor information box

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~ArvadaPlumbingClogBlog

Is your water heater a ticking time bomb?

Contributed by: Micheal Gieger   on 10/13/2006

A fellow blogger recently asked me:

Dr. Plumb, Why does our hot water tank have a copper pipe running to a drain in our basement floor? Why would water ever dribble from the tank?

Excellent question! The pipe you refer to is a drain for the "temperature and pressure" valve, commonly referred to as the T&P valve. Aptly named, this valve monitors the temperature and pressure inside the tank of a water heater. Without this valve your water heater can become a steam-powered bomb.

Most of us know that water heaters heat a tank of water to a certain temperature and automatically shuts down, storing the hot water for future use.

The control valve, located at the bottom of the heater (see picture), is responsible for this process. Let's just say the control valve quits working properly and fails to tell the burners to stop heating the water (usually around 125-130 degrees). It's not just the rise in temperature that's dangerous in this situation.

You need to remember that your water supply system is under pressure. When the temperature of water rises, so does its volume. As the volume rises, so does the pressure. Are you starting to get the picture? BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!

The danger involving temperature is just as bad. Once the temperature reaches 212 degrees, it is said to be "super-heated." Opening a faucet with super-heated water could be very dangerous. The moment the water is exposed to the atmosphere, it can turn instantly to steam, literally blowing up in your face.

I will admit this phenomenon didn't occur to me until my son and I were watching an episode of Mythbusters involving heating water in the microwave for coffee. I highly recommend the show by the way.

I digress.... Now that you're all thoroughly worried about your water heater blowing up, let's talk about the marveled T&P valve.

We know what it is and what it looks like (look at the pictures), let's briefly discuss what you don't see and what you should be checking.

The T&P probe (see picture) makes the valve open when temperature or pressure becomes dangerous, conveying the hot water to a nearby drain and allowing cold water to enter the tank. You should test this valve at least once a year by opening it up.

If the valve fails to close after testing (dribbling), you may want to change it. Remember, the T&P is a very important safety device. Don't let this one go because you don't want to fix it. Call a good plumber (Dr. Plumb) if you have doubts. It'll be money well spent.

We all seem to take our water heater for granted but don't ever scimp on safety.
Hopefully, you have a new perspective on how dangerous a water heater can be.

--Dr. Plumb

P.S.--Your T&P valve should be piped to a nearby drain. If there is not a drain in your mechanical room, a drain pump is recommended.


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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Submitted By: Russell Weisfield
posted on 10/27/2006 @ 2:10:16 PM
Rated Blog Entry
This was an interesting piece but completely ignored other types of water heaters such as tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. BTW, Mythbusters is really about the explosions anyway.
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Submitted By: Micheal Gieger
posted on 10/16/2006 @ 7:03:53 PM
(Not Rated)
Jeez Don, How many is "several?" Most water heater's have a life expectancy of at least 12 years. What brand are you installing? Are the hot and cold lines hooked up correctly? Hot on the left and cold on the right if you are standing in front of the wh. What is the condition of the wh's when you take them out? Do they leak? Do they drain entirely with little to no flow restrictions (internal buildup)? What material was used for the water pipe system? Is your pressure good or bad or different at different fixtures? You are welcome to email me at putzwear@yahoo.com Send me pics if you think it will help. Later Dr. Plumb
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Submitted By: Don Hamilton
posted on 10/15/2006 @ 2:12:31 PM
Rated Blog Entry
I have installed several water heaters over the 23 years I have owned this house. It seems that when my family starts complaining that the water heater isn't keeping the water warm, and I turn the temp up on the heater, it is time to get ready to install a new heater. Am I right? What other ideas do you suggest?
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Submitted By: Barbara Neff
posted on 10/13/2006 @ 7:08:17 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Dr. Plumb, you rock! I am not going to get a bill for this marvelous piece of plumbing education, am I?
[Report as objectionable]
Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Micheal Gieger

Arvada , CO

Micheal Gieger has posted 39 blog entries and 11 comments since joining on 10/2/2006. Micheal Gieger 's average blog rating is 4.88.
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