Water Heater Repair Pressure Relief Valve

A water heater pressure relief valve is what prevents the levels of pressure from your water heater from getting to dangerous levels.

Water heater repair pressure relief valve.

First turn off the gas to the water heater or flip the breaker if it s electric. Water heaters come equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve also known as a tprv. Replace the pressure relief valve if it leaks and the water heater isn t overheating. Part of the valve extends into the unit.

If the water inside the unit gets too hot usually above 210 degrees or pressure builds up too high above 150 psi the water heater can become damaged or even explore. If at any point the temperature or pressure reaches an unsafe level the water heater triggers the relief valve to open and release water out of the tank until the temperature and pressure return to normal. If the water is overheating the dripping could be because the overheating tripped the valve. Shut off the circuit breakers and check the thermostats and heating elements.

If it leaks then it can do quite a bit of damage in just a short amount of time with just the water that is leaked. Open the valve at the bottom and the pressure relief valve for a minute to drain a little. A failed thermostat can cause the element to heat constantly resulting in overheating. A good solution to this risk is the relief valve.

The valve is located on or near the top of the tank. Insert the replacement pressure relief valve into the water heater. Close the cold water cut off valve going into the water heater. Turn the original pressure relief valve counterclockwise to remove it using an adjustable wrench.

Tighten the valve by turning. The relief valve is an important safety feature on the water heater. Usually what causes a leak is the minerals in the water that will deposit on your valve.