How to Install a Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve

This will instruct you on how to change a faulty temperature and pressure release valve on your hot water tank. This will save you having to buy a new tank if the old one fails, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Things You'll Need

• New T&P release valve
• Pipe wrench
• Towels
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Cool the heater. If the heater is electric, turn off the power. If it's gas, turn the thermostat all the way down. Turn on the hot water in several of your faucets. Allow the water to run until cold. Depending on the size of your tank, it can take as long as 20 minutes. When the water runs cold, allow it to run another two minutes. Turn off the tub faucet and then turn off the cold water flowing into the heater. Place your bucket under the release valve.

2. Release the pressure from the tank by opening the T&P valve. Let the tank drain through the overflow pipe until water stops flowing. Close the T&P valve.

3. Unscrew the overflow pipe from the old T&P valve with a pipe wrench. Then unscrew the old valve from the heater by using a large pipe wrench to loosen. Once the valve turns freely, use your hand to make the process go more quickly. Mind the electrical wiring and water pipes.

4. Use Teflon tape on the threads of the new valve. Push the threaded end of the valve into the hole and turn it clockwise to screw it in. Once the new valve is in place, adjust it to ensure that the new valve's outlet flows the same direction as the old one's. Reinstall the overflow pipe. Check for leakage.

5. Turn the water supply back on. Run the hot water in your faucets while the tank refills. After five minutes, you can safely turn them off. Don't skip this step. Turn off the tub's water faucet. Turn on your tank and wait until your water heats. Enjoy a nice hot bath.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a towel handy in case water flows out of the valve more quickly than anticipated.

• Make sure that you don't bang into the power supply or water pipes during installation.