What can be done to prevent the water from dripping or leaking at the T&P?
T&P valves should be checked twice a year by opening the handle on the valve and letting out a little bit of water. The purpose of this is to make sure there is no mineral build-up on the inside of the valve and to make sure that the valve reseats itself properly. If the valve does not shut off on its own it is time to call a professional licensed plumber to replace the valve. If your T&P valve is leaking on its own it could be due to thermal expansion. The best option to prevent this is to have a properly sized thermal expansion tank installed. If water pressure is above 60 to 70psi, a pressure regulating valve along with a properly sized expansion tank would be used. Thermal Expansion tanks designed with a diaphragm inside, will allow the excess volume of water to flow into the thermal expansion tank rather than release through the T & P. For information on thermal expansion tanks offered, please contact a plumber or distributor in your area.
