Water heater leaking at TPR valve threads

Submitted by rc10mike t3_z93wnm in DIY

Noticed water pooled around the TPR valve on top center of water heater (electric Ruud, 4 years old). Removed valve and threads look fine. Re sealed with thread sealant, still has slow leak. Resealed with Teflon tape, still has slow leak. Bought a new TPR valve just in case (also used Teflon tape), still has slow leak. Any other ideas?

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kittenrice t1_iyexd5g wrote

That's...odd, is there a crack through the threads in the water heater?

Did you put on teflon tape, tighten it as much as you could, then go one more time around?

Teflon tape doesn't seal the joint, it lubricates the threads so you can get a tighter fit - the thread on thread contact is what makes the seal. If you look closely, you'll notice the threaded part of the TPR valve is slightly tapered.

Did you adjust it after installing it?

Doing so can break the seal.

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ICYaLata t1_iyexh01 wrote

Where is it leaking? And are you possibly over tightening it?

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rc10mike OP t1_iyf6obw wrote

Replying to kittenrice (#829,739)

Yes I tightened the way you describe. I didn't adjust it afterwards either. It's just weird that it started after 4 years now I can't get it to stop

Edit: The threads on the tank look fine, but the port is about 3in below the outer surface of the water heater so getting a close look is almost impossible

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rc10mike OP t1_iyf6wnr wrote

Replying to ICYaLata (#829,772)

The threaded connection on the tank to the valve is where it appears to be coming from. It doesn't help that the valve sits about 3in down into the water heater so it makes it difficult to see.

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