Water heater drain valve drip

[Talan1688]

Hello. My home's Rheem water heater is dripping from the drain valve. It is strange as it seems to sometimes spit out some water and then stop and then occurs again. I have a little plastic bucket to collect the water, probably about 3 cups of water in a 24 hour period. I was doing some research and understand that these plastic drain valve should be replaced with a brass one (a little concerned to do it myself as I read that the plastic can break and be stuck there.. also trying to save money to get plumber.)

In addition, I read that maybe a hose cap can be screwed on. But is this safe?

Besides these options, can I just permanently connect a hose to the drain valve to let the water exit to the ground? Any other thoughts?

Thank you.

 

[Reach4]

You could permanently connect a hose to the drain valve to let the water exit to the ground. You could screw a cap on.

The fact that you said that removed any doubt that I had that the intermittent dripping was from the T&P relief valve. No relief has a garden hose thread on it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Sylvan]

Call a licensed plumber and they will remove the valve add a Brass nipple and a ball valve with an adapter IPS X Hose connector so you can have a decent blow down valve like we do on boilers

 

[Jeff H Young]

Id call this a perfect situation for a cap amost zero chance of something going wrong then next time you have a plumber come drain the tank let him install a new valve

 

[Talan1688]

You could permanently connect a hose to the drain valve to let the water exit to the ground. You could screw a cap on.

The fact that you said that removed any doubt that I had that the intermittent dripping was from the T&P relief valve. No relief has a garden hose thread on it.

Thank you.

 

[Talan1688]

Call a licensed plumber and they will remove the valve add a Brass nipple and a ball valve with an adapter IPS X Hose connector so you can have a decent blow down valve like we do on boilers

Thank you.

 

[Talan1688]

Id call this a perfect situation for a cap amost zero chance of something going wrong then next time you have a plumber come drain the tank let him install a new valve

Thank you.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Try a plunger first, if that doesn't work, hit up the hardware store for a drain snake. Usually does the trick. And if it's still playing hard to get, maybe some drain cleaner? But be careful with that stuff – read the instructions like your life depends on it. If all else fails, maybe it's time to call in the pros.

Ha Ha come on the guy wants a little help I know it sounds obvious but he probebly scared of it being a safety issue as long as he aint capping off t and p valves he should be safe

 

[GReynolds929]

Try a plunger first, if that doesn't work, hit up the hardware store for a drain snake. Usually does the trick. And if it's still playing hard to get, maybe some drain cleaner? But be careful with that stuff – read the instructions like your life depends on it. If all else fails, maybe it's time to call in the pros.

You in the right thread kimosabe?

 

[Jeff H Young]

he made identical post eldewhere and it didnt apply to the subject either .

 

[MaxBlack]

Hello. My home's Rheem water heater is dripping from the drain valve. It is strange as it seems to sometimes spit out some water and then stop and then occurs again. I have a little plastic bucket to collect the water, probably about 3 cups of water in a 24 hour period. I was doing some research and understand that these plastic drain valve should be replaced with a brass one (a little concerned to do it myself as I read that the plastic can break and be stuck there.. also trying to save money to get plumber.)

In addition, I read that maybe a hose cap can be screwed on. But is this safe?

Besides these options, can I just permanently connect a hose to the drain valve to let the water exit to the ground? Any other thoughts?

Thank you.

This sounds like my TPR valve (not drain) but I assume you know the difference? I've never seen a TPR with a garden hose fitting so...

I've capped drain valves before (easy-peasy) and assumed they have a gasket or o-ring or etc. that got damaged when operated.Or maybe grit got in the way of perfectly tight closure.

 

[Sarg]

Here's my pick of the litter for an effective drain valve ... available at Amazon or Ebay.