Hi,

It is Saturday night and there are no 24 hr. plumbers in my area-water started pouring out of my hot water heater's overflow pipe...very hot water...after many buckets it has slowed to a steady drip..what caused this-can it be repaired-can we still use hot water? It is kind of a crisis mode here-3 young kids etc..HELP!!
Linda Carey
also it is a gas water heater Sentinel Brand

 

The valve is a sefety device to prevent the water heater from exploding. Good news is it works.

The valve opened because the pressure was too high or the water was too hot. You said the water is very hot. Hotter that usual? If so the temperature regulator has probably failed. Try turning the temperature control up and down and listen for the fire to come on and off. Typically you can feel the regulator click on and off if its working. Was the pipe directed away from the base of the water heater? If not then when it vented water it may have snuffed out the pilot flame, you will know in the morning if thats the case because your water will be cold.

Good Luck, especially with the kids.

 

to HWH.You must call a Tech.Your problem must be corrected ASAP...As you mentioned you have 3 little ones.Since you have gas heat you can heat water on the stove for all your needs.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO ANY REPAIRS."PLEASE WAIT AND CALL A REPAIR COMPANY."PDF