Why Checking the Pressure Relief Valve on Your Water Heater will Increase its Lifespan

1. Why Checking the Pressure Relief Valve on Your Water Heater will Increase its Lifespan Owning a home or business comes with many responsibilities, and some of these are easy to overlook. For example, many people simply forget to check the pressure relief valves on their water heaters, which can extend these appliances’ lifespans by several years. Here’s what you need to know about the pressure valve as well as some instructions for checking yours. What is the Pressure Relief Valve? If you look at the very top of your water heater, you will see a lever on the top. This is called the temperature pressure relief valve, or just a pressure relief valve for short. Its job is to keep you safe by releasing water when there is too much pressure built up inside your water heater. As water heats up, it expands and creates steam. Without this valve in place, it is possible that the water could heat too much and lead to a dangerous tank rupture. This is very rare, but in this case, checking the valve at least once each year can go a long way to provide some peace of mind. Common Pressure Relief Valve Problems Pressure relief valves, just like any other component of a water heater, can simply fail from time to time with no apparent reason. If you have hard water that is not softened prior to entering the tank, it is possible for hard water deposits (and other sediment) to enter the system and become lodged in the valve. This can prevent it from opening properly and create a serious safety hazard. Should the valve fail due to buildup when there is too much pressure built up inside the tank, it could cause the entire tank to rupture. How to Check the Valve The first step involved in checking the pressure relief valve involves shutting down the power to the water heater and giving it a few hours to cool. If your tank is electric, you can simply shut it off at the breaker; if it is gas, simply turn the control knob to the off or pilot positions. Then, find a pail or bucket and hold it directly under the valve to catch any water that comes out. To open the valve, you will need to lift the lever up. Lift for a few seconds, then close it. Do this a few times to be sure you have flushed out any sediment. Then you can turn the gas or power back on and observe to be certain the valve holds. If it doesn’t, it must be replaced. If after testing the pressure relief valve you find it does not hold, it doesn’t reseat properly, or it continues to vent even when there is no pressure built up inside the tank, this will require you to replace it. The best way to do this is to contact a professional who can get the job done right. After the replacement, continue to check the valve annually and follow the same steps listed above to ensure your water heater lasts as long as possible.