"RBM" wrote:
That's a pressure relief valve, it blows off on high temperature or
pressure. Either a control in the unit is allowing the temperature or water
pressure to rise beyond what it should, and the valve is just doing what
it's there for, or the valve has gone bad. The valve screws on to the
fitting and appears to have some type of dope or sealant on it. There is
also a possibility that the building water pressure is to high feeding into
the heater


My best guess was that it might be an over-temp/pressure valve. Similar
to a thermostat in a car. I think it might be in need of replacement. I lowered
the temp on the heater, and it seems to be OK. Except, that the water temp
is now a bit too low for my liking. I also figured it was threaded and 'doped' from
it's appearance. Might just head off to the plumbing supply joint in the a.m.,
a get a replacement. I doubt it's a pressure problem. The house is on it's
own well, with a fairly elaborate filtration system.
I ain't afraid of no pipes.

--
Steve M