How to Install a Temperature-Control Valve in a Water Heater
The temperature control valve on a water heater is a safety valve that releases water and pressure when the water temperature gets too high. If your temperature control valve is leaking, you must learn how to install a temperature control valve in a water heater to replace this safety mechanism. Observe some safety etiquette as the water inside the tank is scalding hot. The average homeowner can replace the temperature control valve in just a few hours. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn the electrical circuit breaker and the water supply off to the hot water heater. Turn on a hot water faucet at a sink that is lower than the water heater, if possible. If there is no sink or tub lower than the water heater, turn on the nearest one.
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2
Use a pipe wrench to disconnect the drip tube from the temperature control valve. If yours is soldered together, it can be cut off with a hacksaw.
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3
Check the faucet that is turned on to see if water is still flowing. When it has stopped flowing, leave the faucet open.
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4
Use a pipe wrench to remove the temperature control valve by turning it counterclockwise. Take the old valve with you to a plumbing supply sore to purchase a replacement. Make sure the new one has the same size shank and correct BTUs.
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5
Wrap plumbers tape around the threads of the new temperature control valve. Thread the valve into the water heater and tighten it down using a pipe wrench.
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6
Clean the threads of the drip tube and wrap the threads with plumbers tape. Reattach the drip tube to the temperature control valve and tighten it with a pipe wrench. If you had to cut the drip tube, you can reattach it using a 3/4-inch compression coupling.
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7
Turn the water supply on to the hot water heater and allow the tank to fill. When the faucet you have on starts to flow with water, you can turn the faucet off. Check for leaks around the temperature control valve after the tank has filled.
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8
Turn the circuit breaker back on to the hot water heater after it has filled with water and there are no leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Always disconnect power before working on electrical appliances. Water heater water is scalding hot. Be careful removing parts, even after the water has drained.
