"David Starr" wrote in message
...
I've got a 4 year old 40 gallon gas water heater. Every now & then,
the T&P valve opens and 3 or 4 gallons drain out. The temp isn't set
too high - 1 on a 1-3 scale - so I don't think it's getting too hot.
It seems to happen when I'm using a fair amount of hot water for a
long period of time.. I have a home darkroom & sometimes need water
at 75 degrees for a couple hours; this is when I notice it happening.

Would it be a good idea to replace the T&P valve, or what? Do these
valves deteriorate over time? The valve appears to be doing what it's
supposed to, but I can't figure out why it's happening. Our previous
water heater never did this.




- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dave Starr, Senior Shop Rat Emeritus: 14,647 days in a GM plant.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


They can be defective just like everything else that is made. Water use has
nothing to do with it. The valve should not open unless the temperature
exceeds the safe boundary.

On a 4 year old heater you should be able to still get it out and install a
new one.


Colbyt