How old is your house?

Its 6.5 years old.

A T&P valve costs less than $10 at a hardware store. Generally, replacing the valve is a fix. Of course, if you have complications that even a new valve would pop, you need to fix them first.

For most people, the T&P opens because there is just a small amount too much expansion occurring. This is easily resolved with the installation of an expansion tank. Such tanks are overpriced, but available for about $50. It does fix the problem.

Even so, while it is not a good thing, for a temporary fix, route the output of the valve to a clear drain, where its flow will not destroy other property.

Pinoke

I have it directed right into the floor drain, in an unfinished basement, so no water damage. So its safe to operate for a few weeks until I can get the expansion tank installed?

It may be safe, or it could vent if the pressure gets too high...

Maybe I will just get someone to come look at it...I am starting to worry it might explode!

You probably should get someone to look at it. You could begin with a knowledgeable person, AKA, Dad, or a neighbor. But it is not going to explode. That is what the T&P valve prevents.

There have been cases of an un-protected heater skyrocketing right thru the roof. Bad scene. But it demonstrates a matter of degree. The T&P will release the small amount of available HOT water or steam that sets it off.

In most cases, the normally-dormant valve tends to get a little cruddy. Then, when it once operates  even slightly  it tends to leak more easily, only because the seat was opened. Some people TEST their valve with the lever, and that is the beginning of Âtrouble.Â

If the heater is otherwise good, replace the valve and sleep well.

Pinoke

Thank you so much!! I will find someone to take a look at it and see if that is all that is needed.

Pinoke, it's not so much testing as flushing with the lever, and you're supposed to do so periodically, so the valve doesn't get gummed up. Some of those cases of heaters exploding or becoming little V-2s are from blocked valves....they need to be operated every month or so.

I dunno, Peanuts. I have never heard of that. It doesnÂt show up in the instructions IÂve seen. Now, draining a bit of water from the bottom each month is another thing. That I do religiously. I believe in that.

But I can tell you this: if you mess with the T&P valve, you are going to be starting over from Square One. Plan on it. It is a safety feature. It is conceivable that some people never, ever, use the lever, and never have a momentÂs trouble. In fact, most people donÂt know what they are, why they are there, nor what to do when the dang thing takes a dump.

I think, my advice is pretty good mainstream information. The other cases we take-on as problems-to-solve. Those V-2s (or U-2s, wenn you believe der Furher is vatching) are not from "blocked valves." These little puppies are about as ready as a young goat. They will Âfail safe. Or to put it another way: they might not hold water when they ought to; but, they sure as heck will release it.

In fact, that is why they are such a nuisance. Considering the cost, a simple replacement is such a quick way to get back to Square One, it is almost fun doing it.

Pinoke