The Role of the Pressure Control Valve in Water Heaters
The water heater temperature valve or pressure control valve is also called the T&P valve. It is the safety feature found on all water heater tanks. The valve must always be in good working order to ensure the water heater can operate safely in the event of extreme pressure build-up. The valve is designed to open temporarily and discharge short bursts of water when the temperature exceeds 210°F. It also releases pressure if the tank gets above 150 psi. Thus, it is vital to locate your water heater tank pressure control valve so you can test it annually and fix any leaks that happen.
Where is the water heater pressure control valve?
The T&P valve is typically located high on the side or on top of the water heater tank. It is connected to a pipe that runs down the length of the tank and stops a few inches above the floor. The main valve consists of a flat, one and one-half inch lever that lifts and lowers when water is released to reduce the pressure and temperature pressure within the tank.
It is recommended that homeowners test the hot water pressure control valve at least once a year to make sure it is functioning correctly. Be sure to know where the valve is located for ease of testing.
Making sure the valve is working
The most important test is to make sure the valve itself is working correctly. If it isn’t, pressure could build up inside the tank and become a safety hazard.
Before testing the valve, make sure a pipe is connected to it that disgorges wastewater to a floor drain or basin below. Lift the lever and listen for water discharging from the tank and coming out of the pipe near the floor. This indicates that the valve is functioning correctly, and the test is successful.
Suppose water will not discharge from the pipe, or the valve lever is stuck in the closed position. In that case, this could mean that naturally occurring mineral deposits are blocking the waterway, thus, rendering the valve inoperable. Never attempt to apply excessive force on a stuck valve. In this case, turn off the water heater and call a plumber at once for valve replacement.
Master Mac 2000
Whether a pressure control valve is needed for a water heater tank or large industries such as a water distributor, Master Mac 2000 will always have a solution for your requirements. Call us today to discuss your needs, and we may have a solution for you. We’ve been doing it for more than 30 years now as one of Australia’s largest privately-owned pneumatic and valve component distributors. Visit our website at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.