A renter who noticed a bulge in their water heater uncovered a safety valve that would not stop dripping. Further checks raised questions about the expansion tank, prompting the renter to ask whether they should shut off the gas.
Here's what to know
After noticing the bulge, the renter sought answers from the r/Plumbing community. In a Reddit post, the renter explained that the water heater had been in the home throughout their five-year tenancy.
After a suggestion from another Redditor, the renter tested the temperature-and-pressure relief valve, commonly shortened to T&P. "It works, but after testing it's continuously dripping," the original poster wrote. They added in another reply, "Checked the expansion tank and it's releasing water instead of air. Should I turn my gas off?"
If the heater needs to be replaced, an upgrade may be a good opportunity to get a more efficient option. Heat pump water heaters move heat into water rather than generating it directly with electric resistance, reducing the electricity needed for hot showers and other household uses.
More background
Insulation separates the inner tank from its thin metal jacket, one Reddit commenter explained. That commenter suspected damage to the outer covering before or after installation, although the discussion offered differing explanations for the bulge.
Thermal expansion was another possibility raised in the thread; a different commenter said they had seen it produce similar deformation.
One Reddit commenter recommended replacing both the water heater and expansion tank and taking it up with the landlord. The commenter interpreted the expansion-tank issue as evidence of failure.
What can be done?
Several commenters encouraged the renter to contact the property owner instead of continuing to troubleshoot.
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For a landlord considering replacement, Cala offers configurable smart heat pump water heaters. Their water-heating schedules can match household demand, helping reduce energy use and bills by tailoring operation to when hot water is needed. For a rental household, that connects an equipment decision with daily routines such as showering and washing dishes. The savings opportunity with Cala comes from coordinating efficient water heating with those needs.
Where can I learn more?
Other households have also sought help with dripping water heater relief valves. These stories cover valve testing, leaks after maintenance, and pressure checks.
• Water heater relief valves carry yearly testing recommendations, but some plumbers advise against testing them.
• A water heater began dripping after routine draining, prompting plumbers to suggest a video-backed step.
• A new homeowner's fast water heater drip stopped after a T&P valve reset.
• Dampness near a homeowner's water heater raised concerns about a hidden relief line masking tank failure.
• A homeowner facing replacement advice over dripping was urged to check water pressure first.
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