Hi all,
First time posting on these forums, I do appreciate all the good advice that is shared here.

I am on well water, and recently have begun experiencing periodic leakage from the pressure relief valve. The valve sits just past the pressure gauge on the well side of the line. With no water usage, roughly every 15-20 minutes it will discharge a few cups of water. The valve is new (replaced within last year). The tank is 20 years old, and I assume the pressure switch is also 20 years old but don't know.

2 questions:
1) any ideas on the cause? I was away for vacation for a week and only began noticing the leak when I returned.
2) if I need to get a professional, am I looking for a general purpose plumber, or something else (well specific?)

Thanks,
Chris

I haven't seen a pressure relief valve on a well line before. Are you referring to the schrader valve on the pressure tank ?

The relief valve is factory set at ~75 psi. What pressure are you seeing on your gauge? It may need to be adjusted up if your working pressure is close to that. It may also point to another problem in the system.

My pressure gauge is showing ~55 PSI. Are ALL pressure relief valves shipped with 75PSI? How can I determine the requirement for my system, to determine whether to adjust the valve?

It could be that the gauge is incorrect and that your pump pressure is exceeding the relief valve setting. If so replacement of the pressure switch and 1/4" pipe connecting the switch should remedy the situation.
It could also be thermal expansion causing the relief valve to discharge, especially if the pressure tank has lost some of it's original pre charge. A good plumber onsite should be able to quickly diagnose and correct the situation.