Why is my hot water heater's temperature/pressure valve overflowing?

Question

I have an electric hot water heater. A couple days ago, hot water started spewing out of the overflow pipe which comes from the temperature/pressure valve. I have a power switch which can turn off the power to the heating elements. When I turn it off, the water stops overflowing after a few minutes. What's causing this overflow, and how can I fix it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You have two thermostats on that unit. There should be one s***w each on two small panels on the front. Take those panels off and your thermostats are behind there.

Check the setting. If it is over 120 degrees then someone has been in there and messed with it.

Turn them both to 120 degrees and you should be ok.

If they are already there then your pressure valve is shot. You will have to partially drain your tank to replace it.

Answer 2

Don't mess with it!  Call a professional!  Water and electricity are a nasty combo!