T & P valve
Recently, I came across a very dangerous situation, one that I think needs to be addressed. A capped or plugged T&P valve is one of the worst “band aid” fixes you could ever do in your house. Doing so creates the grounds for a potential bomb, or missile in your basement! Although rare, the threat of a water heater explosion is very real.
The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is one of the most important safety devices in your home. If the temperature rises above 210 degrees Fahrenheit or the pressure exceeds 150 psi, the valve will open and relieve the pressure inside the tank. In doing so, a small amount of water will also be dispensed onto the floor. Unfortunately, many people mistake this for a leak or a water heater failure, when in fact, it may simply be doing what it is designed to do. If you ever see water on your floor around this area, you should call a plumber right away. The valve may be failing, in which case it should be replaced, or you may have excessive pressure in your tank which should be tested for. If you happen to have a pressure reducing valve installed on your main water line, you should pay special attention to this. A pressure reducing valve creates a closed system in your home, and will not allow for thermal expansion. If you have one of these, AND your T&P valve drips occasionally, you may need a thermal expansion tank installed.
Now that you know what it looks like, and what it does, take the time to check it and make sure yours IS NOT CAPPED OR PLUGGED and that it works properly. You can lift the little handle on it like the picture shows. Sometimes you may need to let the handle snap back down to reseat it properly. If it continues to leak a little, it either has some debris in it or the spring is failing. You can try and open it a few times to remove any debris. If this does not take care of it, call a plumber and have it replaced. Make sure there is a relief tube extending to the floor in case the heater must discharge. This is to prevent accidental scalding. Also, you should not have threads on the bottom of the relief tube. This will ensure that a cap cannot be screwed onto the bottom.
Good Luck!
The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is one of the most important safety devices in your home. If the temperature rises above 210 degrees Fahrenheit or the pressure exceeds 150 psi, the valve will open and relieve the pressure inside the tank. In doing so, a small amount of water will also be dispensed onto the floor. Unfortunately, many people mistake this for a leak or a water heater failure, when in fact, it may simply be doing what it is designed to do. If you ever see water on your floor around this area, you should call a plumber right away. The valve may be failing, in which case it should be replaced, or you may have excessive pressure in your tank which should be tested for. If you happen to have a pressure reducing valve installed on your main water line, you should pay special attention to this. A pressure reducing valve creates a closed system in your home, and will not allow for thermal expansion. If you have one of these, AND your T&P valve drips occasionally, you may need a thermal expansion tank installed.
Now that you know what it looks like, and what it does, take the time to check it and make sure yours IS NOT CAPPED OR PLUGGED and that it works properly. You can lift the little handle on it like the picture shows. Sometimes you may need to let the handle snap back down to reseat it properly. If it continues to leak a little, it either has some debris in it or the spring is failing. You can try and open it a few times to remove any debris. If this does not take care of it, call a plumber and have it replaced. Make sure there is a relief tube extending to the floor in case the heater must discharge. This is to prevent accidental scalding. Also, you should not have threads on the bottom of the relief tube. This will ensure that a cap cannot be screwed onto the bottom.
Good Luck!