How to Release Water Tank Pressure
Releasing pressure in your home's water tank isn't by itself a difficult task, but forgetting to check your tank's pressure every now and then can have potentially disastrous results. The potential for a poorly-maintained water heater to explode if the pressure inside gets too high -- and has no way to relieve itself -- does exist. That's why it's so important to have a properly working pressure relief valve on your water tank; this valve will release your tank's high pressure automatically. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Locate the pressure relief valve on your water tank. This is sometimes called a "Temperature Pressure Relief" (TPR) valve, and may be referred to in your tank's owner's manual as such. Most of these valves are located on the top portion of the tank, with a long pipe (called a discharge tube) coming down from it.
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2
Examine the valve and the adjoining discharge tube to see if it is leaking any water. Even a small drip is a sign the pressure or the temperature inside the tank is too high -- generally around 75 lbs. per square inch. Place a bucket underneath this tube to collect any dripping water. If the tube isn't leaking water than the pressure should be at an acceptable level for your water tank.
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3
Double check the pressure in your water tank using a water pressure gauge. Connect this gauge to the drainage faucet located on the lower part of your water tank -- this is where you'd connect a garden hose if you were emptying the tank. Look at the reading on the gauge -- it should not read higher than the manufacturer's recommendations for your water tank (again, this is usually around 75 psi). If the water pressure gauge reading is high, this is confirmation that the pressure inside your tank is higher; it rules out the possibility that your TPR valve is simply malfunctioning.
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4
Replace your TPR valve if the results of Step 3 indicate it could be defective. These valves simply unscrew from the tank, leaving a place for the new valve to be screwed in, although you may need a wrench to loosen the valve if you can't do it by hand. Make sure the water level is below the valve before replacing it. If the water level is higher than the valve, connect a hose to the drain faucet (described in Step 3) to lower the water level until it drops below the valve. Wrap the seal of the new valve with plumber's tape to prevent any leaks.
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5
Check the bucket beneath the discharge tube frequently. Any water that appears in the bucket is a sign the pressure in the water tank reached an unacceptably high level at one point. If the problem persists, contact a plumber. A professional will be able to safely identify any problems with your water tank or the connecting plumbing; he may install an expansion tank along the cold water line to give water a place to go when the pressure inside the main tank gets too high.
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Tips & Warnings
Beware of the risk of electrical shock when working with water. Do not touch any electrical components of your water tank while working with the relief valve.
Water that leaks onto your garage or basement floor from the drainage tube can pose a fall hazard; make sure to place a bucket underneath the tube to collect the leaking water.
