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View Full Version : Corrosion at leaking WH TPRV



Michael Thomas
05-28-2013, 05:44 PM
Barrington IL, WH from 2009, whole house filtration system ahead of WH, nothing unusual at the faucets or drains to indicate water quality problems.

Thoughts?

H.G. Watson, Sr.
05-28-2013, 07:23 PM
Barrington IL, WH from 2009, whole house filtration system ahead of WH, nothing unusual at the faucets or drains to indicate water quality problems.

Thoughts?

Waterlogged Ex Tank or missing alltogether in now closed system most likely. Was the WH install DIY, was there an elbow and further extension originally (to floor drain or sump pit, or too close to floor)?

Is in traditional for the region, basement laundry room/storage room location? HO fond of using oxy clean, bleach, amonnia in laundry? Wink or IronOut to clean the water softener? Prior storage of ice melt, organic volitiles (such as zip strip, varnish rmvr, etc.) in area adjacent to gas fired WH & furnace? Such fumes sink and are easily burnt off and hence the condensation collections. Solve the closed system problem, service burner, set themo/valve/tune and clean off the copper, keep the volitiles out of the enclosed space stored or used. If the home was improperly winterized/flushed/sanitized, or even if not, the anode may be toast, flush tank and check anode for deterioration.

Edited to add as Post-Script:

P.S. All of the above can be investigated and performed by the licensed plumber working under a valid licensed plumbing contractor who is employed to replace the aged and evidenced leaking TPRV which should be done immediately, as the above is further investigated, inspected, serviced, and maintenance performed.

Garry Sorrells
05-29-2013, 03:49 AM
Since you only mentioned "whole house filtration system" I would cast my lot toward the need of a water treatment system.

The lack of the water conditioner could/would cause a buildup at the Pressure relief Valve causing it to leak. The result is your picture. Why the pressure is building up that is causing the valve to open is another discussion.

Scott Patterson
05-29-2013, 05:54 AM
Barrington IL, WH from 2009, whole house filtration system ahead of WH, nothing unusual at the faucets or drains to indicate water quality problems.

Thoughts?

Other than a leaking TPR and taking care of that issue, I do not see the corrosion as an issue or anything that we really should be reporting on. Copper pipe and minerals in the water equals the common issue you have found.

John Kogel
05-29-2013, 10:02 AM
What Scott said and HG too in his round about way. The TPRV has been oozing for a while, from the stain on the concrete. There is green crud in the discharge tube and bits of it are visible, pretty normal for a slow water leak.

The filter system might only be filtering out certain elements but not everything. For example, we have a filter for Chlorine, but not other chemicals. Also, the cartridges lose effect after one year. A dirty filter may as well not be there at all.

There might be excess pressure, or there might be an obstruction, a flake of rust or more corrosion, in the valve.