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Storage Heater D: Leak from Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)

JOVEN Storage Heater Leaking from PRV? Is it Normal? Here’s What It Means

⚡ Quick Answer (Read This First)

If water is leaking from the PRV (Pressure Relief Valve):

  • ✅ Light dripping during heating is NORMAL

  • ⚠️ Continuous or heavy flow is NOT normal

👉 The PRV is a safety device designed to release pressure inside your heater.

🔍 What is a PRV?

The PRV (Pressure Relief Valve):

  • Releases excess pressure from the tank

  • Prevents overpressure and damage

  • May discharge water during heating

👉 This is a critical safety feature — do NOT remove or block it

🟢 Normal vs Problem Leak

✅ NORMAL (No Service Needed)

  • Light dripping during heating

  • Occasional discharge

  • Stops after heating cycle

👉 Caused by water expansion when heated

⚠️ NOT NORMAL (Needs Attention)

  • Continuous dripping (even when not heating after 24 hours of turning off the heater)

  • Strong or heavy flow

  • Water leaking all the time

  • Sudden increase in leakage

👉 Indicates high pressure or valve issue

🔥 Common Causes of PRV Leakage

1. 💧 Thermal Expansion (Normal)

  • Water expands when heated

  • Pressure builds up → PRV releases small amount

2. 🚿 High Incoming Water Pressure

  • Supply pressure too strong or unstable

  • PRV activates frequently

👉 Common in certain HDB / Condo high-rise units

3. 🔧 Faulty or Worn PRV

  • Dirty Valve may not seal properly over time

  • Causes continuous dripping

4. 🧰 Missing or Faulty Pressure Reducing Valve (PRDV)

  • Without pressure control, system pressure is too high

👉 Installing a PRDV helps stabilise incoming pressure

5. ⚙️ Improper Installation

  • Discharge pipe is connected such that it is flowing against gravity to vent

  • No discharge pipe

  • Blocked Discharge Pipe

  • Wrong orientation

🛠 What You Can Check First

✅ Step 1: Observe the Leak

  • Is it light dripping or continuous flow?

✅ Step 2: Check When It Happens

  • Only during heating → usually normal

  • All the time → needs checking

✅ Step 3: Check Water Pressure

  • Very strong water flow in your home?

👉 May indicate high pressure issue

🚫 What You SHOULD NOT Do

  • ❌ Do NOT block or cap the PRV outlet

  • ❌ Do NOT remove the valve

  • ❌ Do NOT ignore continuous serious leaking

👉 This can be dangerous. Please refer to this article of the possible implications:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rupture-of-storage-water-heater-at-marine-parade-condo-smashes-glass-doors-and-windows

🧠 Important: PRV vs PRDV (Common Confusion)

Many customers confuse these:

  • PRV (Pressure Relief Valve)
    → Safety valve that releases pressure

  • PRDV (Pressure Reducing Valve)
    → Controls incoming water pressure

👉 If pressure is too high → PRV will keep leaking

👨‍🔧 When to Book Service

Book service if:

  • Water is leaking continuously even after turning off the heater for more than 24 hours

  • Leak is getting worse

  • No pressure reducing valve (PRDV) installed

💡 JOVEN System Advantage

JOVEN heaters are designed with:

  • ✅ Proper safety valve integration

  • ✅ Stainless steel tank (no corrosion issues)

  • ✅ Reliable pressure handling

👉 But external pressure conditions still matter

📅 Need Help Fixing the Leak?

To speed up service:

Prepare:

  • 📸 Video of leaking valve

  • 📍 Postal code

  • 📝 Short Issue Description of when the leak happens (only during heating / always)

👉 Our team can quickly identify if:

  • Normal condition

  • Valve replacement needed

  • Incoming High Pressure from water mains

Contact our Service Support

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe if water drips from PRV?

👉 Yes, if it is light and only during heating

Why is my PRV leaking all the time?

👉 Likely high pressure or faulty valve

Can I stop the leak myself?

👉 No — do not block it. Proper diagnosis is required

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