The pressure relief valve is usually located at the top of the water heater. It consists of a lever that flips up and down, and it's connected to a pipe that runs the vertical height of the water heater to a drainage spot.
The pressure-relief valve is typically located on the top or side of the tank. It includes a discharge tube that extends to about six inches above the floor. This tube is designed to safely discharge water in case the valve is triggered.
Leaking and Strange Noises
PRV valve leaking usually means there's a hole in your valve. If you see pressure relief valve leaking, flooding, or if you hear strange noises coming from your PRV, it's time for a replacement.
It's important to remember to close the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater when you are through draining it. Otherwise, water will run out the valve and through the discharge pipe once it refills.
Once the valve releases the pressure, it can be reset within seconds by moving the reset handle.
Under normal conditions, the useful safe service life of a pressure relief valve is 10 years from the original date of manufacture. However, the safe useful life of the valve may be shortened by certain environmental conditions and other factors. At times, replacement may be necessary much sooner.
What Happens When a PRV Fails? If a PRV fails and the water pressure in your home gets too high, it can cause a range of problems. These problems can include: Leaking appliances: High water pressure can cause appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to leak or fail prematurely.
The reason it's there is to keep you safe in case the water pressure is too high. Without this safety feature, your water heater could end up breaking. You could potentially end up with burns if the high water pressure is dangerously high.
Causes of Excess Pressure in a Water Heater
Since water expands as it's heated, higher-temperature water occupies more volume, which, in the confines of a water heater, results in increased pressure. If the pressure increases too much, your relief valve will activate, releasing water through the drain pipe.
Replacing the Hot Water Heater Pressure Valve
Pressure relief valve replacement costs an average of $220 between parts and labor, or anywhere from $50 to $300.
WARNING: Under normal conditions, the useful safe service life of a pressure relief valve is 10 years from the original date of manufacture. However, the safe useful life of the valve may be shortened and replacement required in less than 10 years depending on the environment in which the valve lives.
Contaminants, like dirt, lint, rust, sludge, or even the misalignment of the valve can cause the pressure relief valve to stick. At this point, you might see that your system is above pressure, or you'll notice other pressure relief valves in the system releasing to make up for this valve's malfunction.
Pressure Relief Valve – $20 to $200
If you notice that the valve is consistently leaking, it may mean that the tank's pressure is too high, or you might simply have a faulty/clogged valve. The cost of a new pressure relief valve is about $20, and repairs may total to $200.
A pressure relief valve regulates pressure increases in a functioning system. A pressure safety valve rapidly reduces the system's pressure to a safe operating level.
How long to change a prv depends how easy it is to get at. Usually a couple of hours. Exp vessel needs checking first though.
If no date is specified, a pressure relief valve shall be replaced no later than five years following the date of its manufacture.” In industrial refrigeration, the current recommendation is to replace the relief valve on a five-year cycle.
The minimum acceptable level of PRV maintenance is periodic testing, with internal inspection and repair as dictated by the results of testing. Troubleshooting PRV problems is the first step in a proper repair.
Your relief valve is connected to a long discharge tube. When the valve opens up, both steam and hot water are forced out of this tube and onto the ground around your water heater. This continues until enough pressure is released for the valve to close.
You will need to replace your water heater pressure relief valve if it's stuck or damaged. A plumber can tell you whether it's best to repair the valve or replace it altogether. Furthermore, it's wise to replace the valve every five years or so, especially if it hasn't been tested recently.
Your water heater's relief valve can start leaking for one of two reasons: either the valve was triggered to open because of excessive temperature or pressure, or the valve itself is faulty.