Need to replace pressure relieve valve?

[gregk24]

The pressure relief valve on our gas water heater is dripping slowly. Is this something I need to replace immediately or can it wait a month or so? Something to note, the water heater is around 25 years old. I could replace the valve myself, I am just worried the inside may be corroded and might break off if I try to unscrew the old valve. We have a home warranty and can use that to have it replaced for a $75 copay. I would like to avoid paying that if I can do it myself, but again worry about damaging the water heater and having to pay to have the whole thing replaced.

But again, is this something that needs to be addressed right away? Or can it wait until after the holidays. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[dishdude]

It's time to start shopping for a water heater.

 

[emg]

While that heater is getting pretty darn old, our relief valve has done that twice in the last decade, and both times were due to the expansion tank failing and causing excessive pressure in the system.

I wouldn't wait a month just because I wouldn't want the pressure to damage anything else.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by gregk24
Something to note, the water heater is around 25 years old.



Consider yourself highly favored and highly blessed.

Most never make it that far.

Definitely time for a new water heater -
I would not take any more chances with the borrowed time that one is on.

 

[DuckRyder]

Originally Posted by dishdude
It's time to start shopping for a water heater.

Ever seen the damage a water heater that burst while everyone was at work does...?

 

[Delta]

Originally Posted by dishdude
It's time to start shopping for a water heater.


Agreed, you're on borrowed time with an old water heater. That said a PRV replacement is usually easy, but on something that old you're taking a gamble depending on your water quality. Around here you are lucky to get warranty period out of a heater before they go (welcome to the PA mountains...).

 

[Mr_Joe]

Yes, 25 years is a long run. That aside, the valve on my 3 year old water heater was leaking. I shut the water off, let some water out, then took the old valve to Home Depot, easy change. Now it doesn't leak.

I did this when they were at work or school, directions on utube.

 

[jhs914]

Spend the $75 for a new water heater. No brainer.

 

[Mr_Joe]

Are they that cheap? $75?

 

[WyrTwister]

Replace , now .

 

[wog]

Make sure home warranty will replace heater,the tank is not failing.they may just replace your prv,and bill you 75 dollars.do you flush tank annually? If you do than just change relief,save your money for tank replacement when the time comes to R and R.

 

[Oily_Thing]

Time for a new water heater with a new pressure relief valve. Be sure to replace the expansion tank too.

 

[Lyman]

Put that home warranty to use!

 

[BigD1]

I use to work maintenance at a government HUD housing complex that had about 110 apartments. The tanks on those gas water heaters were very old. During the winter time I would walk the back side of all the apartment buildings looking for steam coming from the drains.

Never did replace a tank, but did change a good many leaking pop off valves. Management would not replace anything unless parts became unavailable.

From what I can remember, the apartment complex was round about 30 years old, and so were the gas water heaters. If it were me, I would buy a new tank, and be done with it. 25 years is a long time.

 

[irad]

Replace the valve and replace the anode with a magnesium one. Anodes are standard thread like this one.
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Rheem-SP11526C-900-x-44-3-8-Magnesium-R-Tech-Anode-Rod

 

[Papa Bear]

Originally Posted by DuckRyder
Ever seen the damage a water heater that burst while everyone was at work does...?


On the bright side you would have an indoor pool .....

 

[Dinoburner]

Something to consider,a 25 year old gas fired AWH should have ECO set at about 180 deg f which shuts off gas by interupting milivolts to the safety magnet.If, however the T&P valve is corroded and can`t open fully on temps above 212 deg you then might have a steam rocket if all the safetys fail. If you can determine it has an ECO it may be worth changing the T&P. Our LP fired heater is 35 years and i wouldn`t hesitate to change the T&P control. One other thing, do you hear gurgling noises when the burner is on, if so thats a mineral buildup that is not worth treating. R&R time.

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted by jhs914
Spend the $75 for a new water heater. No brainer.


The $75 is the service fee, no guarantee the whole thing would be replaced, only if it needed to be.

 

[gregk24]

UPDATE. I replaced the valve myself, easy job. Seems to be doing well! I cranked up the thermostat all the way so I will check to see if the new valve is dripping tomorrow morning. I did check on it a couple of times tonight though and it seems to be doing just fine. Thanks for all of your input.