Pressure release value leaking water from hot water heater

[Alice]

We use city water and earlier today we discovered a basement full of water which was coming from the pressure release value on our electric hot water heater. The water heater is 3 years old.
I understand why the value gave way (preasure) but would like to know what may have caused this problem to develope and whether this should be repairable?

[Wgoodrich]

Your pressure relief valve will give if too hot or too much pressure.

Hot water heaters create excess heat if temperature reaches danger levels. Check your thermostat for faulty temp control.

Sometimes a person will open a pressure relief valve for one reason or other and the valve fails to seal again and nothing may be wrong other than a bad relief valve.

Hope this helps

Wg