Being able to locate the pressure relief valve on your water heater is important. It&#;s the part of the machine which prevents the Temperature and Pressure from climbing to dangerous levels, which is why it&#;s sometimes called the T&P valve. Occasionally testing the valve or at least knowing what to look out for in case it&#;s the cause of any issues could save you a lot of pain and worry.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website hydraulic pressure relief valve.

What Does the Valve Look Like?

The squat &#;T&#; shape of these metallic valves reminds some people of the head of a garden hose. One end is attached to the water heater. The end opposite to that has a knob or lever which could be used to manually open the valve. A pipe comes out of the third end.

Where Can I Find It?

No matter what kind of water heater you have, the pressure valve will be located either on the top or side of the unit. Most likely, it will be near the electric supply or hot water output tube.

Don&#;t confuse it with the drain valve, which is used to empty the water out of the heater. The T&P valve should be the only faucet with a long tube coming out of it and pointing down. That is the discharge pipe.

How Does It Work?

Most T&P valves are calibrated to automatically open if the heater&#;s internal pressure exceeds 150 psi or if the temperature exceeds 210&#;. This prevents the unit from exploding. When the valve opens, hot air and water go down the discharge tube. If you notice the valve leaking or warm water pooling around your heater, consider calling a plumber. Most plumbers recommend replacing the valves at least every two years.

You could also opt to test it on your own before calling a plumber. Take care to wear protective clothing like closed-toed shoes and gloves. Placing a bucket under the discharge pipe, you could manually open the valve by using its knob/lever. Wait for about three seconds and abruptly let go of the handle. If it fails to shut itself off completely, it is likely broken.

With these guidelines you shouldn&#;t have to hunt out your water heater&#;s user manual for the pressure relief valve. Replacing a relief valve can be a tricky procedure best left to the professionals. If you live in the Triangle area and want help from professionals with four generations of experience call Acme Plumbing at (919) 688-.

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Relief Valve Location

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Relief Valve Location

Relief Valve Location

GMEHL

(Mechanical)

(OP)

12 Jul 23 21:25

Hey All,

I am looking to see if someone can help me with this, is there a code section that deals with the location/placement of a PSV/PRV Pressure Safety/Relief Valve.

Meaning, that the valve should be affixed directly to piping or a pressure vessel, and the discharge should be piped through the roof or 6" above finished floor.

Mainly looking at it from a safety aspect, where there are PSVs that are on a tank or piping at eye level with nothing piped to the floor or through the roof protecting people that might be present in a mechanical space if the relief was to activate and discharge.

Thanks in advance,

RE: Relief Valve Location

2

The Obturator

(Mechanical)

13 Jul 23 06:08

Note there is a separate forum for safety relief valves.

Might be worth your while reviewing the recommendations in API-STD-520 Part II - Installation.Note there is a separate forum for safety relief valves.

*** Per ISO-, the generic term
'Safety Valve' is used regardless of application or design ***

*** 'Pressure-relief Valve' is the equivalent ASME/API term ***

RE: Relief Valve Location

LittleInch

(Petroleum)

14 Jul 23 11:25

What they do is specify performance requirements. SO in inlet terms there is a maximum pressure loss from the vessel or piping to the inlet of the valve which I believe is 3% of the set pressure. That often means very close / direct mounting.

Where the exhaust / vent goes is a safety issue both for venting to a "safe location" as the P&IDs say and avoiding jetting out their fluid where people might be present. This is part of the safety / hazard review as it is so individual to the location that it can't be prescribed by the code.

In general the codes are not prescriptive in these as there are too many options, fluids and local restrictions.What they do is specify performance requirements. SO in inlet terms there is a maximum pressure loss from the vessel or piping to the inlet of the valve which I believe is 3% of the set pressure. That often means very close / direct mounting.Where the exhaust / vent goes is a safety issue both for venting to a "safe location" as the P&IDs say and avoiding jetting out their fluid where people might be present. This is part of the safety / hazard review as it is so individual to the location that it can't be prescribed by the code.

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