Leaky Hot water heater drain valve...

[Opn Rd]

I just noticed my hot water heater drain valve is leaking. When I push down on the valve like I am closing it, it stops the leak, but when I let go, it begins to leak down below at the drain. Is it an easy fix? Anyone had this problem?

[Tunce the traveler]

If it's a new trailer you might have some construction debrie stuck in the valve seat, open it and let it run For a few seconds and see if that stops it.

[Opn Rd]

Its not brand new, but relatively new. 2013-used about 15 nights a year. Just noticed it this weekend. Same thing happens everytime. I pull up on valve and water is released--I push valve all the way in, water stops--then when I release my finger I can tell valve releases just a tad. With pressure it stops water completely.

[Sundancer330]

Sounds like you are talking about the pressure relief valve. Before replacing turn the HWT off and when its cool flip that lever up and down fully several times, sometimes the seat gets gunked up and this may clear it and stop leaking. If not its an easy cheap fix, head to Depot or Lowes for a new valve

[Tunce the traveler]

Looks like it needs to be replaced , now I don't know if you can take it apart and see if it has an "O" ring that you can change out.

[Opn Rd]

Let me see what I can do. How difficult is it to take apart? I will see if you tube has anything. Thanks for all the help so far. More questions may follow.

[Sundancer330]

Is this what you are talking about.

[Opn Rd]

No. It the valve you use when you want to empty the whole tank.

[Sundancer330]

Most tanks just have a plastic drain plug not a valve. Best bet is remove it and take it to a big box store and they will locate a replacement, nothing to service on those valves. Something more like this.

[Tunce the traveler]

The only hot water drain that I know of that you push down to close ( that can leak ) is this one.

[Tunce the traveler]

Like Sundancer said many of us have one that looks like this installed.

[Opn Rd]

Thats it. I'll download a pic but pretty sure thats it

[Opn Rd]

Here is the valve in question...

[Tunce the traveler]

If you look just below the Handel you'll see a steel clip , remove it and you should be able to pull that handel out and I think it might have that "O" ring that I mentioned in the above post.just make sure the tank is empty before you remove it.

[Opn Rd]

Got it.. I appreciate it.