How to Replace a Water Heater Relief Valve

A pressure relief valve on your water heater is a safety feature that relieves pressure from the tank if too much builds up. If the pressure relief valve is not working properly, the tank might explode. Make sure this valve is working correctly. If it's not, replace it immediately.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Teflon tape
• Wrench
• Relief valve
• Pipe cutter (if necessary)
• Compression fitting (if necessary)

1. Shut off the power to water heater. If electric, turn gas to pilot setting, if a gas water heater. Cut off water supply to water heater as well.

2. Drain the water from tank to just below relief valve. It is not necessary to drain the entire tank. Open a hot water faucet, drain tank from tank drain for approximately three to five minutes.

3. Prepare the new relief valve with Teflon tape. Remove the dip tube and any other connections to the relief valve. Check faucet to make sure water is not running. A slow drip is OK.

4. Unscrew the relief valve counter-clockwise with a wrench to remove. Install the new relief valve. Install the dip tube with a compression fitting, if you had to cut it to remove earlier. Make all other connections.

5. Turn the water supply back on to water heater. Make sure water is running from the open faucet before turning the power back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with a professional, if you have any doubts about tackling this job yourself. Testing the relief valve requires opening the vent pipe; scalding water issues from the pipe when you do this.