How to Replace a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve

Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve

Introduction: Conventional storage hot water heaters have a small valve screwed into its tank that is designed to relieve built up steam pressure if the water heater overheats. The pressure relief valve prevents the water heater from rupturing or exploding from excessive steam pressure. If you know how to replace a water heater pressure relief valve you will save a lot of money by having to call a plumber to do the task.

This valve has several names, including temperature and pressure relief valve, pressure relief valve, water heater safety valve or T&P valve. As TP valves get old, they can begin to drip or leak which indicates that is time to replace them.

Though it is recommended that you periodically test this device by lifting its little lever to make sure it is working. Doing this with an old valve can cause it to begin leaking. Be ready to shut off the water supply to the water heater and replace the TP valve if this happens when you test the valve.

Be aware that a pressure relief valve is designed so that water will pour out of it if pressure builds up too high in the water heater. Usually the drain line that is attached to the valve runs down to the floor or to a floor drain so in the event it opens to relive pressure that water will drain onto the floor or into a drain.

Tools and material required to change the TP valve:

· Pipe Thread Tape

· Water Heater TP Valve

· Pipe Wrenches

How to replace the TP valve:

1. Shut off the cold water supply and gas or electricity coming to the water heater.

2. Drain the water from the tank until the water level is below the valve. To do this, run hot water at any faucet, shower, or bathtub.

3. Raise the lever on the TP valve to release any excess pressure. Loosen the valve by turning it counter-clockwise with a wrench, and then remove it slowly.

4. If water begins to pour out, screw it back in and drain more water from the tank.

5. Put pipe-thread tape on the threads of the TP valve and screw it in to the water heater, turning clockwise. Tighten it with a wrench.

6. Turn the cold water supply and gas or electricity back on. For a gas water heater you will have to relight the pilot.

That is all there is to replacing a water heater pressure relief valve.

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