do I need a new water heater or can this ne be fixed?
It can be fised, you just need a new seal. Measure the width of your pipe and go get a little package of them. They probably cost $2.99. Turn your water off at the street, then drain your water heater to keep it from flooding and possible problems. unscrew the joint replace the washer and put it back together. There is a book you can get at book stores that's called Hoe To Fix Damn Near Everything. It is a must have and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Good Luck, Jackie b
It can be Fixed. Try as Follows 1) tighten it up 2) Put some Silicone around it 3) Buy a new one a replace it. Make sure that you cut the water OFF before you Change anything out. Pop Off Valves are Not Expensive and are Very Easy to Change out. You need a 10 or 12 inch Pipe Wrench and some Pipe Dope. That is all. You unscrew the old one, put Pipe Dope on the Threads of the New one, and Screw the new one in. Takes about Five Minutes and maybe $ 10.00.
you said you tripped the valve-meaning opened it up then closed. try taking i small hammer and tapping onit on the sides. sometimes you will get minerals or a little dirt stuck up in there. if it doesnt stop dripping after that then just replace it. go to your local hardware store and ask for a pt valve for a hot water tank. make sure you specify for a hot water heater as the valve for a boiler is a different pressure. shoulr run you about 15-20 bucks. turn your water supply incoming off. drain the water from your old valve till water stops becuase now your below that part. unscrew the old vave out. apply pipe dope to the threads of the new one and screw it in. using a pipe wrench tighten it in. now turn on your fill and bleed air from your faucet. you should be all set
