The valve is called a t p valve or tpr valve for temperature and pressure relief.
Water heater t and p valve.
The t and p valve which is located on the top or side of the tank opens and releases water or steam when the temperature or pressure exceed preset limits.
It can potentially prevent your water heater from exploding.
Here s how to replace a water heater temperature pressure relief valve.
If the water heater thermostat fails to turn off at its temperature setting and continues to heat the water indefinitely the tpr valve will open and let the overheated water out.
The last line of defense for pressurized equipment temperature and pressure t p relief valves protect equipment from excess pressure and ultimately catastrophic failure.
To keep your heater from exploding.
The t p relief valve short for temperature pressure relief valve is a critical safety device on your water heater.
If your valve is dripping that may be a.
But in the event of an emergency or malfunction this valve is of critical importance.
This valve may sit quietly unnoticed on your water heater but it has a very important purpose.
If all goes well a tpr valve never gets used except during testing.
But if the termination of the piping is not readily visible such as if it is located under the house the water will continue to drain until the homeowner gets an amazing electric or gas bill and goes searching for the reason.
You can t repair this problem so you should replace it.
Replacing t p valve on a water heater is the best way when you find big trouble and broke in the cap rubber and the other part of the valve.
1 shut off the cold water to the water heater and gas or electricity that heats the water heater.
T p valves used on residential water heaters are typically designed and manufactured to relieve pressure at 150 psi and temperature at 210 degrees f.
If you make a service for a long day you will spend a lot of money.
You have to buy a new product.