My GE Hot Water Heater Leaks From the Pressure Value

TPR Valve

• The temperature pressure release valve, or TPR valve, is a safety feature to lessen the chance of explosion. It responds to situations when the water pressure is too great inside the tank. If pressure increases inside the tank and the valve does not leak, or leaks too slowly, then the water heater could explode.
  
  

Repair Manuals

• General Electric manufactures hot water heaters that use electricity, liquid propane or natural gas. Each design gets repaired a little differently. If you cannot locate the repair manual that came with your hot water heater, then visit the GE website to view it online (see Resources).
  
  

Water Too Hot

• If the thermostat malfunctions and heats the water too hot for the surrounding casing, then pressure builds up inside the tank. The TPR valve leaks water until the pressure stabilizes. Change the thermostat if this is your problem.
  
  

No Back Flow

• If you live in home built since the 1990s, then your municipal water flows in one direction, which is into your home. It was during the 1990s that building codes changed in many cities, with the requirement that contractors install a backflow prevention valve to prevent excess water from returning to the municipal supply. As excess water flows into the hot water heater, it raises pressure inside the tank. The TPR valve responds by leaking the excess water to stabilize the tank. If you have a newer home, then see if the builder installed an expansion tank to hold excess water. If you do have one, then check for damage. If you do not have an expansion tank, then you will need a licensed plumber to install one. Older homes do not have this problem since the original plumbing system allowed free flow of water in both directions.
  
  

Faulty Valve

• TPR valves wear out after years of exposure to minerals in the water. This is an inexpensive repair if you are a DIY type of person. You will need a bucket to drain the water level to below the TPR valve. Then follow the directions for your particular GE model to change it out.
  
  

Municipal Supply Pressure

• The municipal water supply flows at greater pressure than residential pipes can withstand. Every home has a water pressure regulator to lower the amount flowing into the house to 50 to 70 pounds per square inch (psi). Since the original water pressure regulator is underground, you will need to install your own if the original has failed. Modern water pressure regulators do not allow any back flow, so you will also need an expansion tank to accompany it.