How to Test Your Water Heater's Temperature & Pressure Valves | Roto-Rooter

The thermostat and pressure release valve on a water heater was designed to help keep your family safe by preventing a high pressure explosion. This valve on your water heater should never be removed or disabled, and should also be tested periodically to ensure that it's working properly. Hot water may scald skin and these valves occasionally get stuck in the open position, causing a flood. Proceed with caution if you choose to test the T&P valve yourself.

Relief valves usually discharge for one of two reasons:
1. excessive pressure buildup over 150 psi
2. temperature inside the tank exceeds 210 degrees F

In either case, the pressure relief valve will open to prevent an explosion. If you notice water pooling around your water heater and there's no sign of a leak, it's likely that your temperature and pressure relief valve has recently opened.

In addition to ensuring that your house has an ideal water pressure coming in from the main line, make sure that the thermostat on your water heater isn't set too high. You should test your valve at least once a year to ensure it's not being blocked by sediment buildup. If you're having problems with your water heater / T&P valve, call your local Roto-Rooter plumbers anytime for a free consultation visit, or learn more by visiting our website.

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[squirrelattackspidy]

Really good explanation. Thanks! You look like a badass version of Adam Sandler.

[morn]

tested my valve it dripped and youre right a simple tap with a wrench or screw driver stopped the leak

[SilverCymbal]

Great video. I made a number of plumbing videos showing how to replace these and more Great work!

[jamesmorrison]

Amazing how my comment was removed that checking the T&P valve is a waste of time AND will cause it to start leaking and dripping requiring you to purchase a new one. DO NOT OPEN THE VALVE. It works... they always work....

[Noodles]

This doesn't test doesn't demonstrate that the valve will operate at its designed set pressure so isn't not an adequate test for safety. When lifting as valve like this there is a very good chance that the valve will not re-seat and will leak. Not advisable practice.

[ToddMiley]

My old water heater lasted 10 years without an expnasion tank. When the plumber installed our new water heater, he didnt even mention or suggest an expansion tank. Last week I tested the valve on our new heater and couldnt get it to stop dripping. Replaced the valve and havent had an issue since.

[electriciandallastx]

Thanks for the strategies you have discussed here.

[ljslw]

Excellent video! Everything was explained professionally and in an easy to understand manner. Thanks

[hughhoob]

2:05

Woah no sexy open toes heels look out haha

[mdro]

Great stuff he didn’t mention I’m assuming turn off the oil burner first

[BobbyCharlz]

Thank you for this video. It's a great source of reference for me.

[mcbatitis]

what if water too cold? would there be complication to the tank? i turned off the water heater while waiting for plumber as the water is suddenly burning hot from out faucet. so the water now would be too cold in the tank, would there be negative effects to the tank?

[InTheZone]

water heater went out, I checked the T&P valve, turned off the heater and reset the red button on the thermostat and moved and reset the dial for the temp, turned it on, and the water heater started working. The T&P hasn't been checked in two years, but the label says to check it once a year. Maintenance guy came out and I told him what I did, he didn't like that I checked the T&P valve for 2 seconds.

[nx]

How to get business 101 great video idea

[joshuaclay]

What do you mean by the valve snapping back? Is water not supposed to come out of that valve at all, just air?

[tomjones]

Had water heater installed two days ago. This morning I see a puddle around it. Is it common for the relief valve to release on a brand-new unit after filling or due to temp? We DID notice the hot water a LOT HOTTER than the old unit. I went down and adjusted the temp to halfway between low and high. Still seems too hot but not as hot as it was. Is it common to have to run these at LOW setting to avoid scoulding?

[carvjr]

Thank you a lot! Follow all the instructions and help me a lot this Sunday ! Dave is the guy :))))

[fortnighte]

This was very helpful; thanks so much.

[gstaqz]

I have hot water in kitchen like real nice hot water in the kitchen, light warm water in the basement and more colder water upstairs in the bathroom ? Any idea what it could be or suggestions on what to do? Renting an house in philly that was built quite a wild ago if that helps one day it just stopped working possibility something was touch but once agsin I’m not sure

[quilliq]

Why does the discharge pipe shooting out water when the pressure relief valve is open?