How to Reset and Repair a Safety Relief Valve

According to the International Mechanical Code, all boilers shall be equipped with a safety relief valve. These safety relief valves permit the emergency discharge of water under pressure from thermodynamic expansion. Whether during testing or disrepair, it is possible to find a faulty safety relief valve that will need immediate attention because of its crucial role in preventing damage or explosion of the boiler. Fortunately, the options for repairing or replacing are limited and facilitate a quick turn-around from down time due to failure.

Step 1

Shut the automatic fill valve.

Step 2

Check the pressure on the boiler to confirm that it is not pressurized above the the minimum operating pressure of the relief valve. The minimum operating pressure or relieving pressure of the relief valve is clearly stated on the information tag attached to the relief valve.

Step 3

If the boiler is over pressurized, the boiler pressure must be lowered to less than the minimum operating pressure of the relief. This can be accomplished by continuing to drain water from the boiler until the gauge reads the appropriate pressure.

Step 4

Lift and release the test lever to re-seat the valve.

Step 5

If Step 4 does not work, tap with moderate force on the side of the relief to free up possible debris or corrosion from the valve seat and repeat Step 2.

Step 6

If these steps do not work to re-seat the valve and the boiler is under the minimum operating pressure of the relief valve, the relief valve will need to be replaced.