How to Install a Pressure Valve
The temperature and pressure-relief valve protects a water heater unit from building excess pressure that can potentially lead to damages inside the unit. A water heater unit with a no temperature and pressure-relief valve might risk explosion if the thermostat and high-limit switch malfunction. The temperature and relief valve functions as a moderator, only allowing the unit to reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit before sucking in hot water or steam into the relief pipe. This process normalizes the unit's pressure to safe levels. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pressure-relief valve assembly
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Two pipe wrenches
- Teflon tape or piping compound
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw
- CPVC pipe
Instructions
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1
Turn off the electricity or gas that powers the unit. Rotate the shutoff valve of the blue-tabbed cold water pipe. Switch off the main supply to avoid using any faucets.
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2
Wear safety goggles and gloves before proceeding. Twist open the last relief valve to allow drainage until it reaches an elevation level equal to the pressure-relief valve.
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3
Use a pipe wrench to hold the relief pipe while loosening the existing pressure-relief valve with a second pipe wrench.
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4
Twist the old pressure-relief valve in a counterclockwise motion with a pipe wrench. Wear gloves while handling the old pressure-relief valve to protect from heat and excess sediment residue.
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5
Use Teflon tape or a piping compound to cover the threads of the new pressure-relief valve in a clockwise fashion.
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6
Using the pipe wrench, tighten the new pressure-relief valve in a clockwise fashion. Assure the assembly screws are on an even keel.
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7
Use a measuring instrument such as a tape measure to find the right length from the pressure-relief valve to the floor.
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8
Use a hacksaw to cut proportionate lengths of CPVC pipe to match the old relief pipe, which should extend no longer than three inches from the floor.
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9
Connect the CPVC relief pipe and elbow with the pressure-relief valve.
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10
Turn on the electricity or gas that powers the unit, and reopen the shutoff valve. Observe any signs of leakage or problems during the installation process. Take the necessary steps to correct any existing problems.
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References
- Photo Credit steam valve image by John Sandoy from Fotolia.com
