Can I reset the Pressure Relief Valve in my Hot Water Heater?
Question:Water is pouring out the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve. The water heater had been set to "Vacation" mode for months. I turned it back to a normal temp setting and five minutes later water was pouring out through the relief valve pipe. I turned off the water to the hot water heater to control the water flow. Can I reset the valve or do I need to replace it? Can I do this myself?
Answers:
The pressure relief valve can be manually opened but cannot be reset. The spring inside is set to open and should close back up when the pressure inside the tank has been alleviated. With that being said and not knowing the age of your water heater, I think you should replace your exercised relieve valve. Its not too costly and can be obtained from places like Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Upon replacement, make sure to shut off heating source, water source and drain tank slightly to level lower than relieve valve location. You might want to let tank cool slightly to prevent getting burned. Also, don't forget to get "pipe dough" to give a tight seal between the tank and the relieve valve. Good luck!
The valve usually goes bad before the water heater itself. Unfortunatly many people do not check or replace it which can lead to failure of the valve when needed. I would recommend replacement. Yes, you can do it yourself. You should also have a drain pipe running from the valve to the floor or nearby drain. Check with your local home center for additional help.
Yes you can replace it. Turn off the unit and drain it down (if the valve is on the side). It simply screws into the tank. Take the old one with you to a hardware or Home Center so you get the proper size. Buy a roll of teflon tape to apply to the threads when you install it.
Try turning down the temp. Depending on the age of the water heater, you may need to replace it. If the thermostat is bad the heater will keep heating the water and won't shut off this thermal pressure relief valve or T.P.R.V is to prevent the steam from causing damage to the plumbing and injury to you.
the only way to try to reset this is to quickly turn on then off the safety device,, its possible it could reseat itself,, if not,,, drain down water heater, take out insides and clean the safety device.
me personnally, if it doesnt reseat itself,, id pop out and buy a new prv just so i would only need to drain down once.
good luck.
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