How to Replace a Relief Valve in a Hot Water Heater
The relief valve on a hot water heater is a safety valve that releases pressure should the water temperature exceed a certain level. Without the relief valve, pressure could build up in the water heater causing it to explode. Regular testing of the relief valve should be done once a year. You can replace a defective part once you know how to replace a relief valve in a hot water heater. Relief valves are available at hardware stores and plumbing supply houses. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the hot water heater by turning the circuit breaker off in the home electrical panel. Turn off the water supply to the water heater. The water shut off valve is inside the hot water heater closet on the incoming water line.
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2
Connect a garden hose to the water heater drain valve. The drain valve is near the bottom of the water heater tank. Route the other end of the garden hose outside. Make sure there are no pets or children around the garden hose because the water will be scalding hot as it drains out of the water heater.
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3
Open the hot water heater drain valve and allow the unit to drain completely. If there seems to be a clog, stomp on the garden hose about a foot away from the water heater. This will usually dislodge any clogs from sediment.
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4
Use a pipe wrench to disconnect the overflow pipe from the relief valve. Remove the relief valve by turning it counterclockwise with a pipe wrench. If your relief valve is on top of the water heater, be careful not to break any electrical wires that may be in the vicinity.
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Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new relief valve and around the thread of the overflow drain pipe connection. Insert the relief valve into the hot water tank and screw it in clockwise. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the relief valve to the hot water tank.
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6
Attach the overflow pipe to the relief valve by threading it into the valve clockwise and tightening with the pipe wrench. Close the drain valve on the water heater and remove the garden hose from the drain valve. Turn a hot water faucet on inside the house and turn the water supply back on to the water heater.
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7
Turn the hot water faucet off after the air has escaped and you are getting a solid flow of water. Allow the water heater to completely fill with water. Turn the circuit breaker back on to the hot water heater.
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Tips & Warnings
Always disconnect power from appliances before working on them.
Keep children and pets away from draining water of hot water tank.
Never turn power on to hot water tank until it is filled with water.
