150 Psi

I have been fighting a leaking TPR valve on my hot water heater all day. I must say that I have learned alot about plumbing today.

I replaced the TPR valve because it seemd to begin to leak after I tripped it during the routine draining of the HW heater to remove setiment. After replacing the TPR, it still leaks... alot.

I noticed that it would stop after a faucet was run anywhere in the house. Hmmm, seemed like a pressure issue. I purchased a pressure gauge and I am pushing 150 PSI, probably more, but the tpr is tripping and keeping the system at 150.

I adjusted the pressure reduction valve located where the main enters under my foundation. I lowered it to the point that I only get a strong trickle at any faucet, but the pressure builds back to 150 PSI when all faucets are closed. I strongly suspect a faulty pressure regulator, but before I go digging to get to it, I would like someone elses opinion.

Another clue - the leaking TPR seemed to start when I recently replaced a leaking toilet. I suspect that the leaking tiolet served as a pressure release, which caused the system to stay below 150 PSI and therefor keeping the TPR on the WH from tripping.

Thanks a million,
Dan

If you have an expansion tank (you should) it is shot, replace it. If you don't have one, put one in. The PRV makes the house a closed system - water comes in , but can't get back out. WHen you use water from the hot side, it is replaced with denser cold. Then it gets heated and expands - it has to go somewhere - basically, it increases the pressure until something gives. An expansion tank gives it someplace to go while keeping the pressure in line.

An expansion tank will not compensate for high static pressure. It is meant to accomodate temporary expansion as a water heater reheats the water. Your pressure regulator is shot, and you need to fix this ASAP, as there are a lot of components in your plumbing system which are not happy at that pressure. Your washing machine hoses are in immediate jeopardy!

Thanks Jimbo.

I realize that I need to get this done ASAP.

Until I can get a new regulator installed tomorrow, I have a faucet running that keeps me around 140 PSI (still more than double what it should be) and keeps the TPR valve on the HW heater from tripping. I will turn off my washing machine hook-ups, ice maker and dish washer until I get it fixed.

Thanks again for the advice.

Dan

im assuming you don't pay for water???