geyser safety valve quotation

Searching for tools to control the flow of your piping system? Explore one of the largest featured collections of products and discover a range of wholesale geyser safety valve on Alibaba.com. When you search for geyser safety valve and related items, you will be able to find many types of geyser safety valve varying in size, shape, use, and quality, all at prices in which are highly reasonable!

There are many uses of valves - mainly controlling the flow of fluids and pressure. Some examples include regulating water for irrigation, industrial uses for controlling processes, and residential piping systems. Magnetic valves like those using the solenoid, are often used in a range of industrial processes. Whereas backflow preventers are often used in residential and commercial buildings to ensure the safety and hygiene of the water supplies. Whether you are designing a regulation system for irrigation or merely looking for a new replacement, you will be able to find whatever type of geyser safety valve that you need. Our products vary from check valves to pressure reducing valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, thermostatic mixing valves, and a lot more.

Air conditioning heat pump pressure bypass valves are important in any air conditioning system. These valves help regulate the amount of refrigerant sent through an AC system and help keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Without these valves, the system would be unable to operate properly, causing a wide range of problems from decreased efficiency to total system failure. Here we will provide a brief overview of how AC heat pump pressure bypass valves work, their advantages, and why they are so important for your AC system.

The most common type of pressure bypass valve is a fixed-orifice design. This type consists of two ports – one port allows the refrigerant to pass through while the other directs high-pressure liquid away from the compressor.

A pressure bypass valve is an important component of an air conditioning heat pump system. It helps to prevent excessive high-pressure buildup, thus ensuring that your system operates efficiently and safely. Pressure bypass valves are most commonly found in split systems, as they control the refrigerant flow.

The main purpose of a pressure bypass valve is to protect the air conditioning compressor from being damaged due to excessive pressure build-up. Allowing excess liquid refrigerant to bypass the compressor helps reduce the risk of damage caused by overpressurization. It also prevents the liquid refrigerant from entering other components within the system and causing further damage. The valve is typically installed at either end of a heat pump’s evaporator coil, with both ends connected via pipes or hoses.

A pressure bypass valve is a critical component of an air conditioning heat pump system. It is designed to control refrigerant flow in the system, allowing it to be safely regulated and maintained. The valve helps to maintain a safe level of pressure within the system and prevents damage from occurring due to excessively high-pressure levels.

The operation of a pressure bypass valve is relatively simple. When the system’s temperature increases, causing the refrigerant pressure to rise, it triggers the valve to open and allows some of that pressure to escape. This reduces the overall pressure to maintain a safe operating level, allowing optimal performance and efficiency. When temperatures drop again, and lower pressures are reached, the valve will close back up automatically until needed.

As homeowners look for ways to lower their energy bills and maintain their air conditioning systems, they should consider the advantages of an air conditioning heat pump pressure bypass valve. This device helps keep the system running smoothly and can reduce costly repairs due to its ability to regulate high-pressure conditions.

The pressure bypass valve is designed to open when system pressures become too high. This prevents damage by allowing refrigerant gas or liquid to flow into another location in a controlled manner. As the refrigerant flows through the valve, it equalizes temperatures between indoor and outdoor units, increasing efficiency while lowering operating costs.

Pressure bypass valves are essential to the air conditioning and heat pump system. They help regulate the pressure within the system, ensuring it works correctly and safely. However, like all mechanical components, pressure bypass valves can experience common issues that may require attention from a qualified HVAC technician.

The most common problem with pressure bypass valves is clogging or sticking due to debris buildup in the valve itself. This can cause airflow restriction, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs for homeowners. In addition, if dirt or other contaminants enter the valve housing, it can cause an imbalance in pressure levels leading to potential leaks within the system. Other less frequent issues include malfunctioning solenoids or damaged O-rings, which will require replacement parts for repair.

Are you looking for an easy way to install a pressure bypass valve? Installing an air conditioning heat pump pressure bypass valve can be tricky, but understanding the process and having the right tools can make it easier. Keep reading to learn more about installation tips for pressure bypass valves that will help make your project successful.

When installing a pressure bypass valve, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary components before beginning. This includes any mounting hardware, such as screws or brackets, tubing and clamps, and the correct size O-rings. Additionally, you’ll need a wrench set, screwdriver set, wire cutters, adjustable pipe wrench, and tubing bender. Once you’ve gathered all of these items together, check your manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation and setup procedures details.

The air conditioning heat pump pressure bypass valve is an important part of any air conditioning system. As such, it is important to understand the benefits and considerations of having one installed in a residential or commercial space.

One of the major advantages of having a pressure bypass valve installed is that it helps keep the system running efficiently. By preventing over-pressurization, the valve ensures proper operation and prevents costly repairs or downtime due to malfunction. Additionally, it helps protect against water damage should there be a sudden change in pressure levels in the system, which can help reduce overall maintenance costs.

However, like any other system component, some considerations are associated with installing a pressure bypass valve. These include ensuring proper installation by qualified personnel to ensure safe operation and regularly inspecting and maintaining the device for optimal performance.

Pressure Safety Valve: While the relieving pressure is low and close to the atmospheric pressure they are used to relieve the system using static pressure of the gas.

Safety Valve: They are commonly used in the gas industry and use a full lift or snap to operate. Safety Relief Valve prevents the further release of fluid post restoration of normal conditions.

Vacuum Relief Valve: When the pressure is small or negative they use the static pressure of gas to relieve it. Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve is also known as a direct relief valve.

The Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve is situated on the top of the water heater. Its purpose is to release the water vapor and reduce the pressure inside the tank. Water Heater Relief Valve generally releases water when the temperature in the tank goes above 210 degrees F. Water Pressure Relief Valve also releases water in case the pressure in the tank exceeds 150 psi. They are also known as Boiler Pressure Relief Valves and are found in all heater tanks. T&p Valve closes the valve and prevents the loss of fluid when the pressure returns within an acceptable range.

Api 520 is a standard for the selection, sizing, and installation of pressure relieving devices in industries. Tpr Valves used in refineries are selected using this standard. Thermal Relief Valves are versatile and can be relied upon. However, it is important to regularly check the serviceability of these Hydraulic Pressure Relief Valves.

Valves are used to monitor and control the pressure in a particular piping system. One such valve is the Pressure Relief Valve that is used to limit pressure from building up and causing damage. Pressure Valve allows the pressure to pass through an auxiliary passage that directs it out of the system once a certain level is reached. Thepressure Release Valve then opens to release the pressure and protects the system. pressure relief valve manufacturers in Indiaclassify these valves into 2 main types namely:

In a hydraulic circuit, Relief valves are most frequently introduced in a hydraulic framework after the pump. a relief valve opens and bypasses liquid when pressure surpasses its set value. The valve at that point closes once more when pressure falls down. This implies a relief valve can bypass liquid anytime or all the time without intercession by administrator.

A pressures relief valves is planned to resist a maximum allowable working pressures (MAWP). Once an over pressures occasion happens within the framework, the weight alleviation valve recognizes pressures past its design"s indicated capability. The pressures relief valve would at that point release the pressurized liquid or gas to stream from an assistant entry out of the framework.

Air pressures relief valves can be connected to a assortment of situations and hardware. Pressures relief valves are a security valve utilized to keep hardware and the administrators secure as well. They"re instrumental in applications where legitimate pressure levels are crucial for redress and secure operation. Such as oil and gas, control era like central warming frameworks, and multi-phase applications in refining and chemical preparing.

Here at we discuss temperature and pressure relief valves used on residential water heaters. We explain the function, inspection, and maintenance of temperature & pressure relief valves on water heaters used to produce hot water for washing and bathing.

We describe how to diagnose and cure just about every problem with T&P valves on water heaters and we describe how to inspect the hot water supply system for unsafe or improper Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve installation.

Here we provide ANSI and water heater standards and advice: water heater relief valve requirements. Water heaters: how to inspect, test, adjust, repair, and choose among types of hot water heaters.

We offer suggestions for Testing the Water Heater Temperature Pressure Relief Valve (TP Valve or "Safety Valve" or T&P valve or TPR valve) on a Water Heater.

We also describe Water Heater Safety Inspections - how to check the TP Relief Valve, and we warn about BLEVEs: Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosions at Water Heaters (or heating boilers).

To reduce the risk of abnormally high and dangerous pressures in the hot water system and to reduce chances of a dangerous explosion, water heater manufacturers, building codes, and independent standards require that a temperature and pressure relief valve be installed on the water heater - a T&P Relief Valve.

The T&P Valve installed on your water heater must be marked with a "set pressure" (the pressure at which the valve will open to relieve pressure) must be equal to or less than the maximum working pressure of the water heater.

This is an unsafe condition as the operation of the temperature or pressure relief valve may be interfered with by the insulation and also because the valve cannot be inspected for evidence of leaks or failure.

The water heater temperature/pressure relief valve is installed into an opening directly on the water heater at a location marked for that purpose, usually at or near the top of the heater (where water temperatures will be greatest).

Pressure relief valves are only intended for protection of tanks that are not heated - such as a well water pressure tank or a cold water storage tank. Where a pressure-only relief valve is to be used it should be installed as close as possible to the equipment it"s protecting.

The operating pressure and temperature ratingof a temperature/pressure relief valve must be matched to the input BTUh, temperature and pressure capacity of the calorifier, geyser, water heater and its physical volume.

On some very small point of use electric water heaters (1.5 - 3 KW heating capacity, and up to 15L / 5 USG water capacity) the relief valve may operate only on pressure and may be set to open at 6 bar (87 psi).

Christian, Without some photos or other details, I don"t know, but I speculate that if the discharge tube on the relief valve is piped down through the floor to a non-visible location, that"s improper & unsafe and may be what the tagged meant.

All pressure/temperature relief valves include a tag or label that indicates the valve discharge capacity in BTUs - heat energy discharge rate. The installation or technical data or data tags for all modern water heaters include the water heater"s BTU input rate capacity (and some indicate the specifications for the TP valve too.)

The Temperature/Pressure relief valve for a water heater must have a BTUh discharge rate (BTUs per unit time, such as BTUs per hour) that isequal to or greater thanthe BTU input rate of the heating appliance the valve is supposed to be protecting.[10]

The Temperature/Pressure relief valve mouth must point down, and a 3/4" I.D. (or greater) discharge tube must be attached to the T&P Valve"s opening and routed down close to but not touching the floor level, typically near a floor drain and stopping 6" above the floor.

Our photo above illustrates a T&P valve installed on the water heater top and connected to a discharge tube that passes outside the building through the wall.

T&P valve discharge tubes are permitted to discharge below the floor of a structure but should not be piped to a hidden location where you won"t notice that the valve is dripping or leaking.

What is the minimum clearance distance that is required from the bottom of the countertop to allow the temperature relief valve adequate clearance? Is there a code spec for this?

Julie a look at installation details for TP valves on water heaters didn"t come up with an over-head clearance, though some common sense would indicate you"d need enough space for the test lever to be operated AND enough space to remove and replace the valve when needed.

Since a top-mounted TP valve has a temperature sensing stem that protrudes downwards into the water heater the removal space will be more than you think

Adding that 9" of sensor to the TP valve body and lever height (anywhere from 5 5/8" to 9 1/4") means the minimum (for the smallest valve size) valve total length is about 9" and the larger valve could be much larger.

Now we can slightly tip a valve to get it out of the heater, buy - I"d like to see 12" or more to give both working space and space to remove the valve.

Relief valve missing its discharge tube or drip line, also called an extension tube: this is an unsafe condition - someone may be scalded should the relief valve open.

do not install a temperature & pressure relief valve through any intermediary plumbing fittings. Doing so can cause the T&P valve to fail to operate safely when it should. For example, an air pocked in a coupling can prevent proper sensing of water temperature.

We inspected a hot water tank installation at which the installer actually cut off the temperature sensing probe from the T&P valve so that he could install it through an elbow. This was a stupid and dangerous modification. - Ed.

The discharge tube attached to the water heater pressure/temperature relief valve should be the same diameter as the opening of the valve itself. In our photo someone has fastened a 1/2" pipe discharge tube onto a 3/4" diameter relief valve.

Watch out: As our photo shows (above left), mineral salts left behind as hot water evaporates from the mouth of a pressure or temperature relief valve can completely clog the spring that is intended to allow the relief valve to open under excess (unsafe) pressure.

Water temperature: the water heater temperatures are excessive. In this case the TP valve is doing its job - find and fix the cause of too-high water temperatures in the system.

at THERMAL EXPANSION TPR VALVE LEAKS A closed water system with thermal expansion and no means of relief can cause leaks at the pressure/temperature relief valve, such as

A deteriorated gasket inside the relief valve or corrosion on the valve seat can cause leaking at the valve; we find this mess occurring when someone lifts the "test lever" on a older P/T valve that has not been tested or operated for some time.

The increase in plumbing system pressure to a level that opens the TP valve is called "thermal expansion pressure". Watts suggests installing a bypass model water pressure regulator that lets the excessive pressure head back to the street main or building water supply system - a solution that only works if the supply pressure is lower than the T&P relief valve spill pressure - which it usually is.

Water hammer: water hammer or "banging pipes" can also be a source of relief valve drips and leaks. Water hammer causes a momentary very high pressure in the water piping system, sufficient to open a TPR valve for a brief time.

Watch out: a dripping or frequently spilling T&P valve is dangerous because those very leaks can eventually cause the valve to clog and then to fail to open when it should.

However there is at least one exception: it may be "normal" to see dripping from the relief valve of certain small 2-5 gallon point of use electric water heaters.

Watch out: As our we cited above, mineral salts left behind as hot water evaporates from the mouth of a pressure or temperature relief valve can completely clog the spring that is intended to allow the relief valve to open under excess (unsafe) pressure. Ariston recommends that the water heater shown here be protected from hard water (water high in mineral content).

Technical note: why must the TP Valve point "down"? Take a look at the photo above. If a relief valve is dripping the deposit of minerals inside the valve will accumulate still more rapidly if the valve points to the side or upwards.

At RELIEF VALVES - TP VALVES we explain that in the photograph above where you see the plaster wall and the foam insulation sprayed around the lever, these form blockages of the test lever on the TPR valve.

Watch out: If the lift/test lever on a temperature/pressure relief valve is blocked from movement that prevents the valve from being tested - a step recommended at least annually by relief valve manufacturers.

Watch out: Depending on the relief valve model and design, a blocked relief valve test lever may prevent the valve from opening in response to pressure or temperature:

The pressure-relief component of a TP valve or of a separate additional pressure-relief valve should be at least 20 to 30 psi above the maximum working pressure in the system. Otherwise you will find occasional "nuisance dripping" at the relief valve due to normal water pressure variations or due to water hammer.

The standard opening pressure for TP valves on residential water heaters is usually 150 psi, and most water heater tanks also have a standard operating pressure of 150 psi.

If the building water supply pressure is above 125 psi, Watts recommends that a pressure-reducing valve be installed to reduce pressure to 40-45 psi so that a standard TP valve set can be used.[10]

Watch out: as we discuss above, dripping TP relief valves are unsafe. The hazard is that minerals in the water supply accumulate inside the valve during the passage of hot water through the valve assembly.

That accumulation of scale will eventually block operation of the relief valve, causing the relief valve to fail to operate properly if unsafe pressure or temperature occurs in the water heater in the future. The risk, ultimately, is a water heater tank or heating boiler explosion.

The water heater relief valve must be capable of discharging energy (as BTUs) at a rate greater than the input rate of the water heater"s energy source

You can easily verify the TPR valve on your 40 gallon water heater by looking at the information on the relief valve data tag and comparing that with the INPUT BTUH rating of your water heater.

Watch out: the typical water heater relief valve capacity rating and sizing charts assume that the heater is supplied with water at no less than 30 psi.

Because very low supply pressure means low pressure in the water heater tank which means that the valve may not open even at unsafe water temperatures or pressures for the equipment installed in your home.

Water heater relief valves must be listed or approved for their use according to the standards accepted by the country where you live. In North America those are SME, ANSI and CSA (AGA) standards.

Watts WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE SELECTION CHART [PDF] (1996) Watts Regulator, Water Product Division, Safety & Control Valves, retrieved 2020/11/15 original source: http://media.wattswater.com/F-SF.pdf

For gas, electric or oil storage water heaters under 200,000 BTU/hr. ratingand for compliance with any applicable water heater labeling requirements: Use3⁄4" T&P Valves tested under ANSI Z21.22 with ratings as certified and listed by CSA.

For gas or oil-fired storage water heaters between 200,000 and 730,000 BTU/hr.rating; and for compliance with any appli-cable water heater labeling requirements: Use 1" and over T&P valves tested under ANSI Z21.22 with ratings as certified and listed by CSA.

For ASME installations of gas or oil-firedhot water supply boilers heating domestic water for a storage tankover 730,000 BTU output; and for ASME installations of steam coil storage water heaters: Use 11⁄2" and over, T&P valvestested under ANSIZ21.22 with ratings as certified and listedby CSA.

These are abnormal and potentially dangerous conditions. First, they respond to excessive pressureby opening at the pressure set point of the valve, typically 150psi, to prevent further pressure increase.

Second, they respond to excessive temperature. When the temperature of the water in the water heater reaches 210°F, the T&P relief valve’s internal thermostatic element expands, lifting the valve’s disc off its seat to discharge the overheated water.

But if the safety valve has been damaged, modified, or even omitted (as we saw on our neighbor"s water heater), that condition, combined with overheating can cause a water tank to explode, creating a BLEVE - Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion that releases tremendous force and causing extreme damage to a building.

Some plumbers open the water heater pressure/temperature relief valve for this air-in purpose - but there is risk that you"ll later be unable to get the valve to shut fully again - debris can clog the valve seat - sometimes we can stop a relief valve from dripping by tapping on the valve lift rod that protrudes through the valve lift lever

Other plumbers simply remove the relief valve entirely - this is the process recommended by some water heater manufactures such as A.O. Smith. Removing the relief valve makes it easy to inspect this critical safety component itself, and it"s easy to clean or replace the safety valve at that time.

When replacing the relief valve use an approved teflon tape or pipe sealant and work neatly and with care so that there will be no leaks at this location.

One has to consider that the manufacturer would not be likely to include the test-lever feature on relief valves if it had no intended uses whatsoever.

Water heater manufacturers" installation instructions for at least some water heaters advise building owners or maintenance personnel to manually operate the TP valve at least once a year to make sure it is working properly.

Temperature and pressure relief valves should be re inspected at least once every three years by a licensed plumbing contractor or authorized inspection agency to ensure that the product has not been affected by corrosive water condition [sic] and to ensure that the valve and discharge line have not been altered or tampered with illegally.

Certain naturally occurring conditions may corrode the valve or its components over time, rendering the valve inoperative.Such conditions are not detectable unless the valve and its components are physically removed and inspected.

Contact a plumbing contractor for a re inspection to assure continuing safety. Failure to re inspect as directed could result in unsafe temperature or pressure build-up that can result in serious injury or death and/or severe property damage. - Watts Water Corporation, "T&P and ASME Safety Relief Valves", retrieved 8/22/14, original source: http://media.wattswater.com/PG-TP-ASME.pdf

Nevertheless, Ken, I agree with you that while the "easing lever" can be used to open or "operate" a TP valve, that does not promise that the valve will necessarily open at the rated pressure or temperature.

But by making this test you might find by that the valve is "stuck" or clogged and will not operate. Not finding that the valve is stuck is not a 100% promise of proper function but the risk is reduced.

Watch out: Opening or operating the pressure relief valve using the lever is not a complete test and it should not be used by home inspectors nor by anyone who is not prepared to shut down the water heater and replace the TP valve immediately should the valve fail to operate or should it fail to close and stop leaking or dripping after it has been tested using the lever.

52 Questions and their Answers [about] Hot Water [Heaters, Explosions & Water Heater Safety], Watts Regulator Company (1973) retrived anew 2018/10/27, original source: http://media.wattswater.com/f-52qa.pdf

More water heater temperature & pressure relief valve (TPR) test recommendations are in the Residential Gas and Electric Water Heater Handbook [PDF] provided by A.O. Smith and linked-to at REFERENCES

A Temperature Limiting Valve that limits the outgoing water temperature to 50 °C in order to prevent scalding. This valve should be checked annually by measuring water temperature at a nearby water taps, making sure that the water delivered closest to the water heater is not hotter than 50 °C .

An Expansion Control Valve is used on water heaters in south and Western Australia where hard water is found, and in some other countries or other jurisdictions.

The purpose of this valve is to release pressure through a separate control so that the safety provided by the Temperature and Pressure Relief valve is not compromised by clogging from minerals should that valve frequently open.

The expansion control valve should be tested every six months, following the same procedure as for temperature and pressure relief valves as we described above.

see RELIEF VALVES - TP VALVES where we include additional relief valve information including for hydronic heating and steam heating boilers used for central heating.

At TUNDISH used in PLUMBING we describe special devices designed to provide an air gap in the relief valve discharge tube and piping: a feature that can permit visual detection of a spilling TP valve if its discharge has been piped to an otherwise not visible location, and a feature that can protect the potable building water supply system against contamination from cross connections.

An alternative to installing or changing a water pressure regulator when building water pressure is occasionally 80 psi or higher is the installation of an expansion tank to temporarily absorb that pressure increase. Proper use of an expansion tank can help avoid unnecessary opening of the pressure/temperature relief valve on a hot water heating tank or a hot water heating boiler.

A typical pressure/temperature relief valve for a water heater, like this Rheem ProTech TPR valve shown here, costs about $25. for the valve alone - not including paying a plumber for installation.

Note that this TPR valve has an extenstion that senses water temperature by being immersed into the hot water tank or calorifier (or geyser) hot water contents.

By replacing the TPR valve and observing that the new one leaks - i.e. not from the threaded fitting but from the valve"s discharge opening or mouth - you"ve demonstrated that there is an unsafe condition on the water heater itself - an over temperature or over pressure, or possibly a leak due to water hammer or abnormally high water system pressure and the need for a thermal expansion tank on the system.

Water heater temperature and pressure relief valves are not adjustable. You don"t change or set the relief or release pressure. The standard pressure is typically 150 psi.

While I haven"t seen an explicit prohibition against using flexible copper tubing on a relief valve discharge tube, The building codes don"t anticipate every possible dangerous or otherwise are erroneous. Installation that we might come up with.

However in my opinion. A flexile TPR valve discharge tube Is a very bad idea because the flexibility means that the discharge tube could easily be pushed into a position in which, rather than discharging very hot water onto the floor, It could discharge scalding water into the face of someone nearby.

The standard opening pressure for TP valves on residential water heaters is usually 150 psi, and most water heater tanks also have a standard operating pressure of 150 psi. If the building water supply pressure is above 125 psi, Watts recommends that a pressure-reducing valve be installed to reduce pressure to 40-45 psi so that a standard TP valve set can be used.[10]

A tech came out to fix my garbage disposal. Ask to see my hot water heater ( electric). Wiped his finger across the top of temp/pressure valve and said the dirt shows “arching” inside tank, and is a fire hazard. Recommend the entire unit be replaced. Is this accurate, or a scam?

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RELIEF VALVE, WATER HEATER at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

[7] Building Owner Water Heater Safety Notice [PDF] Building Department, City of Colleyville TX, web search 09/24/2010, original source: http://www.colleyville.com/dmdocuments/Building%20

Water heater safety is imperative to the occupants of a building or structure. If improperly installed, water heaters can be detrimental to the structure, as well as being potentially fatal to its occupants. The proper installation of a water heater is so important that according to Texas State Law all water heater installations must be inspected by a state licensed plumbing inspector.

[9] Watts, 815 Chestnut Street, North Andover, MA, USA 01845-6098, http://www.watts.com web search 09/18/2010 original source: http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/reducingValves.asp?catId=64

In small scale testing, the Mythbusters started with a small six gallon water heater and disabled all of its safety features under the theory of poor installation or neglect. While the water heater eventually ruptured, it did not explode like a rocket. The Mythbusters then upgraded to larger thirty gallon water heater which exploded with significantly greater force, sending the water heater several hundred feet into the air. In order to confirm the stated myth, the Mythbusters obtained a full size fifty two gallon water heater and built a shack around it with a roof that followed standard California building codes. The water heater eventually exploded, shooting through the roof five hundred feet into the air and disintegrating the shack. In light of these results, and the fact that there is documented evidence corroborating the myth, the Mythbusters deemed it confirmed.

Because of built in safety devices most water heaters safely operate day in, day out without any major problems. But don"t let the excellent safety record of water heaters lull you into forgetting about the explosive potential of these marvels of convenience. When a water heater explodes, it releases a tremendous blast force which can easily demolish a building.

Randall Hilton and crew, with help from the Service Roundtable has prepared this video of a water heater explosion as a demonstration of the explosive power of a simple water heater. The hot water tank explodes using the steam pressure that any water heater can generate when the thermostat and temperature pressure relief valve (T&P valve or PT valve) malfunction. We were impressed by how far the tank flew after the water heater exploded. Click on the links below to view the video. Then, visit the Q&A page for warning signs as well as simple steps which can help you prevent your own water heater from exploding.

A leak from your water heater’s pressure relief valve is a major concern, especially if it’s the first time dealing with this problem. While some people tend to panic and get help immediately, others may just shrug their shoulders and assume that the leak is a common occurrence. However, there are many causes of leaks in water pressure relief valves. And all these must be addressed immediately given the high risks of property damage and hazards that can occur if the issue is ignored.

The pressure relief valve gives steam and water a chance to escape when either the pressure or temperature in the water tank gets too high. A malfunctioning valve can cause the water heater to explode and is the major cause of water heater explosions. In water heater pressure relief valves, the valve is set to open when the pressure exceeds 150 psi.

A leaking valve is not always a broken valve. In some cases, a water heater’s pressure relief valve may leak because it is functioning as intended. As excess pressure is relieved out of your water heater system, some water may leak. This necessitates the need to test the pressure in your water heater.

If you get a high-pressure reading, then you could be dealing with a closed plumbing system issue. This means that when the water is heated, the pressure increases as it should. But with nowhere to go, the valves open to relieve the pressure. Luckily, this can be solved by installing an expansion tank that gives the pressure an outlet other than a pressure relief valve.

Although rare, your water heater’s pressure relief valve could be leaking as a result of excessively high temperatures. However, the water has to be near the boiling point. To check the water temperature, ensure you turn on the hot water faucet. Run the water for one minute and use a meat thermometer to take the temperature reading. The temperature should be around 120 degrees. If more than this, then you need to have the water heater checked. The water temperature would need to be close to 212 degrees to set off the relief valve.

While this is an uncommon occurrence, it is not far-fetched. Your technician could have used a pressure valve for another appliance since they have the same function. However, these other pressure relief valves are set to go off at a lower psi. For instance, boiler pressure valves go off at 30 psi. If installed in a water heater, you are likely to get leaks immediately after installation. As such, if you have had your water heater for years and only experienced the leaks after a long period, then this is an unlikely cause of the leak.

A slight leak may occur if your water heater’s pressure relief valve has not been opened for a while, say a few years. While this leak is normal and may not be an indicator of a problem with the water heater system, you may need to replace the valve if the leak becomes more serious. It is cheaper to replace the entire valve than to repair it and have to deal with the same problem later on.

A leak in your water heater’s pressure relief valve could also be caused by a faulty pressure relief valve. While pressure relief valves barely break down, excessive wear and improper installation can cause extensive damage. Unfortunately, a faulty pressure valve can not be repaired and must be replaced. However, the cost of pressure valves is affordable and ranges around $30.

Know your water heater and how it functions– Water heaters can be intimidating, especially for people with less technical know-how.  Understand what every part of the system plays in heating water such as the water shutoff valve, drain valve, thermostat, and pressure relief valve. This eases the maintenance routine and ensures you have a fair understanding of any malfunctions.

Carry out regular maintenance– Inspect your water heater monthly, ensuring that all valves and pipes are in good shape. This also helps you catch corrosion and leaks early enough before they turn out to be bigger problems. And every year, carry out a water heater flush. Given that you cannot pinpoint all problems, have a qualified technician inspect the system annually.

Regardless of the possible cause of a leak in your water heater’s pressure relief valve, please contact a qualified plumber as soon as possible. And if you think it’s a problem that you can solve without getting help, ensure you have a qualified plumber confirm that the system is performing optimally after. Water heater issues should not be taken lightly as they can cause more issues, even explosions.