So what is the water heater's TPRV?

What is the TPRV and why is it so important?

Your water heater is an important part of your home's plumbing system.  It supplies hot water to all the areas of your house.  Hot water is necessary for proper cleaning of you, your clothes and dishes.  Hot water is important in killing germs.  TPRV is an abbreviation for your water heater’s Temperature Pressure Relief Valve, also known as a T&P valve. This is a small brass pressure relief device that is typically located on the top or side of the water heater tank. When functioning properly this valve will prevent your water heater from rupturing, or in some cases even exploding. If the water temperature exceeds 210 degrees fahrenheit or water pressure exceeds 150 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI), this valve is designed to open and relieve the pressure by forcing water to the exterior of the house. In some cases water heaters have been known to shoot like a rocket through the roof when this valve seizes.  This is when the water heater can over pressurize, rupture or explode.

It is always important to test the TPRV annually to make sure it is not seized and will work if necessary.  Before testing the TPRV read the manufacturer’s instructions either on the yellow attached tag or the sticker on the tank.  Most importantly, confirm that there is actually a drain line attached to the unit that terminates to the exterior of the building and elbow down a few inches from the ground. Most manufacturers recommend simply lifting up on the small test lever for a couple of seconds. If the valve is working properly the handle should life with little resistance and you should hear the flow of water in the line. The valve and line will get warm very fast so don't pull the handle all the way up.  It will stay in that position unitl you push it back down.  If the lever is hard to lift and you don’t hear the flow of water, you may have a seized or faulty TPRV. If you test the TPRV and notice that water continues to trickle out of the drain line, lightly tap the valve lever to re-seat the plunger and it should stop the flow of water. Some manufacturers recommend having the TPRV removed and visually inspected by a plumber every three years.

This is a new water heater with a perfectly working TPRV.

 

Frequency: Annually

Difficulty: Takes a little know-how

Tools Required: Two hands

Completion Time: 5 minutes

This is a ten year old water heater with seized valve.
 

















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