April 17, 2020

Many homeowners keep their distance from their water heater. However, water heaters are not as complex as many believe, and they need to be observed and maintained on a regular basis. One important but easy-to-understand component of this essential appliance is the pressure relief valve.

How to Open a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve

What Does the Pressure Relief Valve Do?

The function of the pressure relief valve is to discharge excess pressure that builds up inside your water heater’s tank. Without this device, your water heater could explode under extreme pressure.

Where Is the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is usually located at the top of the water heater. It consists of a lever that flips up and down, and it’s connected to a pipe that runs the vertical height of the water heater to a drainage spot. This pipe receives water when you flip the lever on the pressure relief valve.

How to Open the Pressure Relief Valve

To open the valve, you simply flip the lever up. After doing this, hot water will flow into the pipe and out into the discharge spot. Opening the valve on occasion will help ensure that it is working properly. Opening it will also help release any excess pressure that is built up inside the tank. This exercise could help you detect any leaks that your unit might have.

Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical is a well-known provider of high-quality water heater products and services. We have two decades of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing water heaters throughout Sparks and the entire Greater Reno area. If you feel the pressure relief valve on your water heater is faulty or you simply want us to test it for you, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Additionally, the skilled team we’ve assembled can provide an array of other plumbing and HVAC products and services, including gas line installation, plumbing fixture installation and repair, solar installation and heating, geothermal high-efficiency heating and cooling, boiler services and more. To discuss any of these options, call us today.

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