I've been in my house in upstate New York for four years, and it came with a new 40 gallon Rheem hot water heater (gas).
During the winter, the TPR valve spits out water periodically (about a pint a day).
When the weather gets warmer (50 degrees or above) it stops and doesn't spit out any water until the first cold days/nights of fall.
I had a plumber come in when I first noticed it and all they did was put in a new TPR valve.
In what could be a related story: About two years ago, I called the gas company because our outside meter was loudly pinging due to its age. So they came out and fixed it. But the tech said, "I gave you some extra BTUs to help get your water hot" (Not his exact words, but close).
I do stuff like have the kitchen sink drip on cold nights because that line isn't well insulated from the outside, and I don't have the heater's thermostat on high. I close off the outside faucet in the fall and shut off the water going to it. Al this time, the heater's status light has been reading all clear and operating properly.
So here are my questions:
1. Is it OK for the water to be released through the valve at that rate during winter?
2. Could the extra BTUs the tech "added" be causing the increased pressure that triggers the valve?
3. Is shutting off the water to the outside faucet causing a pressure buildup? (I'm just brainstorming here)

Like my screenname says, I'm dumb but trying. I'm OK with this being something I just have to live with as a quirk of a house, but if it's an indicator of something more serious, I'd like to solve it.


Any help? Thank you.

--DumbButTrying



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Do you have an expansion/compression tank installed at/near the water heater ?

If not, you need one installed.

If yes, you need it serviced/checked for proper operation/charge.


The tank should 'absorb' the expansion created by heating the water (more heating in winter due to colder inlet temperature) which can not 'escape' back into the main due to the 'modern' meters.


OR


If you have a pressure regulating/reducing valve on your main supply IT may need service.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Thank you answering my question.
I suspected I was going to need an expansion tank.

I appreciate your time.



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As well as adding or replacing the expansion tank you should change the t&p valve again



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Be sure to pressurize the expansion tank to match your incoming water pressure.



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