150 Psi

[clt1dxd]

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

[jadnashua]

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.

[jimbo]

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!

[clt1dxd]

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

[fast pasquale]

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