T&P Valve Leaking? Your Guide to the Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
Your heater's safety valve is sending a message — here's how to read it and what to do.
The little brass valve with the lever on the side of your water heater — the temperature-pressure relief (T&P) valve — is the most important safety device on the tank. When it drips, it's telling you something. Here's how to read the message.
What the T&P Valve Does
If water temperature or pressure climbs past safe limits, the valve opens and discharges water to prevent a dangerous pressure buildup. It's the reason modern water heaters don't become pressure vessels. Never cap it, plug it, or remove it — doing so is genuinely dangerous.
Why It Drips: The Three Causes
1. Worn valve. The spring weakens with age and heat cycling; the valve weeps at normal pressure. Most common in valves over 5 years old. 2. Excessive pressure. Thermal expansion in a closed plumbing system spikes pressure every heating cycle. 3. Overheating. A stuck thermostat drives temperature up until the valve does its job.
The Discharge Pipe Matters Too
Code requires the discharge pipe to route down toward the floor (or outside) so scalding water doesn't spray anyone. If yours terminates oddly — or is missing — mention it when we visit; we correct it with every T&P replacement.
What We'll Do
We test your home's static water pressure, check for an expansion tank, and inspect the thermostat — then replace the valve with a properly rated one and correct discharge piping. Most visits take under an hour. Call (833) 713-2101 for same-day service.
Need Help With a Leak Right Now?
Same-day service across Valrico and the Tampa Bay area.
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