T&P Valve on New Water Heaters

When you buy a new water heater this year, bear in mind that it is equipped with a T & P Valve (temperature and pressure relief valve).  This valve releases pressure from the water heater tank if the contorl valve should malfunction causing the water heater not to shut down when it reaches its set temperature.

It is highly recommended by manufacturers that T & P valves be tested at intervals of at least one a year (preferably more often) as failure to do so can result in the valve jamming.  This can be done by simply lifting the lever on the valve and allowing water to flow from the overflow pipe.  If valves are found to be worn or defective, they should be replaced.

A FAULTY T & P VALVE CAN CAUSE TANK EXPLOSION

Signs of a worn or defective T & P Valve include:

• A valve which does not open when the test lever is pulled with a normal amount of force
• Corrosion on the stem of the valve
• Water leaking from the valve stem
• Water leaking from the drain valve
• A valve that does not close normally after being tested