Your home’s water heater is made up of many components that each must work well to provide you with hot water. To ensure that the hot water is delivered safely throughout your home, your water heater is equipped with components to help it regulate itself. One of these components is the temperature-pressure relief valve. To better understand this component and to know when you need water heater service in Cobb County, GA, here is a simple explanation of this valve and some of the common problems it can face.
What it Does
Just as the name would suggest, the temperature-pressure relief valve has one function: to release water and pressure in your water heater to prevent it from exploding. If it detects an internal pressure of 150 psi or greater or a temperature of 210-degrees Fahrenheit or greater, it will open to release water, thus decreasing the pressure in the tank. If you notice water around your water heater, a probable cause is the activation of the temperature-pressure relief valve.
What it Means
Anytime water is released from the temperature-pressure relief valve, you should utilize water heater service in Cobb County, GA, right away. If the relief valve has activated appropriately, it usually indicates an issue with your water heater. In some cases, it may be something simple, such as an improper adjustment of the temperature control on your water heater. In other cases, it could be a malfunctioning heating element, excessive thermal expansion, or a whole host of other issues. If you determine that the temperature control is set correctly, there is something wrong with your water heater that a plumber should address.
Potential Problems
Due to their function as a pressure regulator, most temperature-pressure relief valves only have a viable service life of about three years. If they are used for longer periods, they may begin to leak, even if there isn’t excessive pressure in your tank. Thus, it’s important to test your relief valve at least once a year and have a qualified plumber replace the valve once every three years.
