Burnham Overpressure Discharge

Pressure relief valve discharges water periodically, especially when the boiler is hot.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Expansion tank waterlogged or undersized, pressure reducing valve overfeeding, boiler temperature set too high, closed valve isolating expansion tank.

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not cap or plug the relief valve outlet. Hot water can cause severe burns.

  • Check pressure gauge: Note cold and hot pressures. If the hot pressure exceeds 30 psi, the relief valve will open.
  • Inspect expansion tank: Tap and feel the tank. If it feels full of water, it may need to be drained, recharged, or replaced by a technician.
  • Verify fill valve: Ensure the pressure reducing valve is not stuck open. With the system at normal pressure, the valve should not continue feeding water.
  • Open isolation valves: Confirm any valves between the boiler and the expansion tank are fully open.
  • Adjust temperature: Ensure the high limit is set appropriately (typically 180–200°F for hydronic heat).
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Expansion Tank
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