The valve should always be in good working order to ensure the water heater is safe in the event of extreme pressure buildup. They must be installed and maintained by a qualified plumber.Water heater temperature and pressure relief valves, or T&P valves, are a safety feature found on all tank water heaters. These small metal tanks, normally installed above or next to the water heater, provide a space for heated water to expand safely. Thermal Expansion TanksĪ thermal expansion tank controls the increased pressure generated within the normal operating temperature range of the water heater. This work should be entrusted to a qualified plumber. You should refer to your water heater owner’s manual for detailed instructions.īecause of its critical role, many manufacturers recommend replacing T&P Valves every 5 years. If no water comes out during the test, or the valve drips after you’ve reset the lever, it should be replaced. To test a T&P Valve, gently open the lever on the top of the valve and verify hot water is expelled through the overflow pipe, which should drain onto the floor. They should be tested at least once a year to ensure they’re working properly. ![]() T&P Valves are designed to only operate in emergencies, so if you notice water discharge from your water heater, have it inspected immediately. This lets cold water into the tank, reducing temperature and pressure to safe levels. It opens to release water if temperature nears 210º F (99º C), or pressure nears 125-150 psi. As the name suggests, this dual-function valve monitors water temperature and pressure in the hot water tank. T&P ValvesĪ temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P Valve) is a water heater’s primary safety feature. Regardless of age, these components and systems should be regularly inspected and tested by a qualified professional. Water heaters installed in compliance with current plumbing codes will have these components, but older homes may not. ![]() Protection from thermal expansion is provided by two plumbing system components – temperature and pressure relief valves (T&P Valves), and thermal expansion tanks. And if the tank’s pressure continues to build, it could explode. When super-heated water is suddenly exposed to the atmosphere, like when a faucet is opened, it instantly flashes into steam, which poses a serious scalding danger. If it goes above 212º F (100º C), it becomes super-heated. If the thermostat fails to shut off the heater, water temperature will continue to rise. ![]() The thermostat of a water heater normally maintains the tank’s water temperature at about 130º F (54º C). When a hot water heater is operating properly this expansion is accommodated for, but if components of the heater malfunction, thermal expansion becomes a real danger. Without a place to go, this extra volume also creates an increase in pressure. That’s because water expands greatly in volume when heated. But if not properly maintained, any water heater (electric, gas, or solar) can be a safety hazard. ![]() Even though we use hot water every day, we tend to forget about our hot water heaters – until the shower runs cold.
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