WH pressure relief valve question

[matt1971]

The pressure relief valve leaks on my gas WH. I know it could be one of three. this unit has not leaked for four years, is the valve most likely bad or has the pressure finally, after four years, begun to cause the valve to overact? I keep the heat setting between warm and hot, a little closer to the hot end. This is no small puddle either.

[DIY Guy]

The temperature and pressure relief valve supplied with water heaters is often not the highest quality. I've known these valves to fail, for instance just after testing them. So you could try replacing it (turn off the water first) to see if that resolves it. The valve also measures excess temperature. So if your water seems warmer lately, then you might have a different problem.

[matt1971]

I replaced the valve and it seems to have worked.