Some (if not all) localities require that they be plumbed to the exterior of the building or to a floor drain if the appliance is located in the home. The pipe is a great idea whether or not it is plumbed to a drain or alternative location because if the valve activates it is less of a hazard to humans when scalding steam and water are directed downward and away from hapless victims. Allow the water to heat for one hour and then repeat the TPR valve test.B- It is not connected to an "overflow" valve.Ĭ- It is a drain pipe connected to a Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve which is not only a legal requirement, but a critical safety device to prevent an over-pressure event (boiler explosion- google it)įor years and years, it was common to see no pipe at all. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. Restore power, or set the gas control valve to the normal operation setting. Reopen the hot water faucet and allow it to run until all of the air has escaped from the tank and line. Turn on the cold water inlet valve and allow the tank to fill. Turn off the hot water faucet you opened earlier. Related: Differences Between CPVC and PVC Allow the cement to dry for at least one hour.įor metal pipes, there are compression couplings available to join to straight edges, or you can convert from metal to CPVC. If the pipe is CPVC, you can splice the cut pieces using a coupling and the appropriate type of cement. Screw the valve into the tank until it is hand tight and then use a wrench to tighten it until the outlet is facing towards the overflow drain pipe. Wrap the threads of the new TPR valve with plumber’s tape or apply joint compound liberally. Take the old valve to the hardware store, and buy a replacement valve that matches it. It’s important to choose a replacement valve with the same BTU rating and pipe size. There are several styles of TPR valve available, including universal pressure relief valves. Unscrew the overflow pipe from the TPR valve using a large adjustable wrench. Be prepared to have a temporary leaking pipe when it is cut and clean up the water with a rag or sponge. This usually means cutting the pipe, but some units will have a special coupling installed to allow easy disconnection. You will have to disconnect the overflow line leading away from the TPR valve. Models with a TPR located on the side need to be drained until the water level in the tank is below the valve.Ī good rule of thumb is to connect a garden hose to the drain outlet and fully drain and clean your water heater while you have it shut down. Turn on the hot water faucet closest to the tank and allow the pressure in the tank to drain. Leaving the power or gas on when the tank has been partially drained can cause serious damages or injuries. Prepare the Water Heater for Repairsīefore doing any work on a water heater, you should always turn off the circuit breaker or set the gas control valve to the PILOT setting. This test should be performed before regular maintenance, or at least once a year. If the valve does not lift upwards with slight pressure, or it lifts but there is no corresponding heat or running water, then the TPR is faulty. The overflow line should begin to heat up immediately, and you will hear the sound of water passing through it. This opens the TPR and should allow water to flow. If the valve passes this initial test, lift the test lever on top of it. There should be some warmth next to the valve, but the line should only be hot if the valve is faulty. First, place your hand on the overflow pipe leading away from the valve to determine whether the line is hot. There is a simple test to determine whether the TPR valve is operating correctly. Here’s how to test and replace a pressure relief valve. If the pressure relief valve is leaking for no reason, it can prevent the water from heating sufficiently. It acts as an overflow for the tank, and serves a very important purpose if the thermostat malfunctions. This means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for made purchases. Note: This post may contain affiliate links.
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