Important: A relief valve functions, in an emergency, by discharging water. Therefore it is essential that a discharge line be piped from the valve in order to carry the overflow to a safe place of disposal. The discharge line must be the same size as the valve outlet and must pitch downward from the valve.

Less water is wasted going down the drain while you wait for it to get hot, and less energy is wasted heating water that ends up in the pipeline between a faucet and a distant water heater.Overall, an energy-efficient electric water heater is the long-term smart choice for clean, quiet and economical hot water.

This device is necessary because many water supplies leave the city’s pipes at a higher pressure than you want to flood through the incoming water lines of your home. With a water pressure regulator installed, you can adjust this pressure if you find it is higher than you would like. Doing so can increase the lifespan of the incoming pipes that make up a part of your home plumbing system.

Caution: Valve must be installed so that temperature sensing element is immersed in the water within the top 6″ (152mm) of the tank.No valve may be placed between the relief valve and water tank.Install in hot water outlet or in extra side relief valve tapping if one is provided.To avoid water damage, discharge line must be run to a safe place of disposal and must pitch downward.Do not install a shut-off valve, plug, or cap in the valve discharge line.Follow local codes where they vary from these instructions.

Now that you know what it looks like, and what it does, take the time to check it and make sure yours IS NOT CAPPED OR PLUGGED and that it works properly. You can lift the little handle on it like the picture shows. Sometimes you may need to let the handle snap back down to reseat it properly. If it continues to leak a little, it either has some debris in it or the spring is failing. You can try and open it a few times to remove any debris. If this does not take care of it, call a plumber and have it replaced. Make sure there is a relief tube extending to the floor in case the heater must discharge. This is to prevent accidental scalding. Also, you should not have threads on the bottom of the relief tube. This will ensure that a cap cannot be screwed onto the bottom.

Preventative care is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the good order of your home operating systems. A water pressure regulator will keep water from entering your home with too much pressure, creating extra wear and tear that can cause damage and reduce its longevity, but there are other benefits to be found:

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Important Instructions: Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices Combination temperature and pressure relief valves with extension thermostats must be installed so that the temperature-sensing element is immersed in the water within the top 6″ (152mm) of the water storage tank. They must be installed either in the hot outlet service line or directly in a tank tapping. Combination temperature and pressure relief valves that do not have extension elements must be mounted directly in a tank tapping located within the top 6″ (152mm) of the water storage tank. Valves must be located so as to assure isolation from flue gas heat or other ambient conditions that are not indicative of stored water temperature.

In normal operation of the water heater and T&P valve, no water should be discharged from the valve. A T&P valve that discharges is an indication of an abnormal condition in the system and by discharging, the T&P valve is meeting its designed safety purpose. The causes of discharge can be thermal expansion, excess system pressure, low temperature relief, too high a setting on the water heater, or something in the water heater causing excess temperatures in the heater.

Always use an extension type thermostat T&P relief valve which permits the end of the thermostat to extend into the top 6″ of the tank.

WARNING: The discharge from a T&P valve can be very hot. It is very important that all T&P valves be installed properly with a discharge line piped downward to an adequate drain to avoid property damage and to minimize possible human contact. Please read and follow the instructions on the warning tag attached to your T&P valve.

WARNING: To avoid water damage or scalding due to valve operation, discharge line must be connected to valve outlet and run to a safe place of disposal. Discharge line must be as short as possible and be the same size as the valve discharge connection throughout its entire length. Discharge line must pitch downward from the valve and terminate at least 6″ (152mm) above a drain where any discharge will be clearly visible. The discharge line shall terminate plain, not threaded. Discharge line material must conform to local plumbing codes or ASME requirements. Excessive length over 30′ (9.14m), or use of more than four elbows or reducing discharge line size will cause a restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.

This guide is intended to help you understand what your water pressure regulator does, how to find it and what it can mean for the well-being of your plumbing system.

If discharge occurs, CALL A PLUMBER IMMEDIATELY. Discharge may indicate that an unsafe temperature or pressure condition exists which requires immediate attention by a qualified service technician or licensed plumbing contractor.

No shut-off valve shall be installed between the relief valve and tank, or in the discharge line. Valve lever must be tripped at least once a year to ensure that waterways are clear. When manually operating lever, water will discharge through discharge line and precautions must be taken to avoid contact with hot water and to avoid water damage. This device is designed for emergency safety relief and shall not be used as an operating control. If discharge occurs, a licensed contractor must evaluate the system and determine the cause for discharge and correct the cause immediately.

Electric water heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and unlike a gas water heater, you don’t have to install gas pipelines or flues. An electric water heater, therefore, can be installed closer to the rooms that use hot water.

Certain municipal supplies regulate their water pressure safely, but if that pressure runs above 80 psi, you’ll want to protect your plumbing system by installing one. Phoenix considers anything between 40 and 100 psi acceptable, so you may be best served by having one installed for when the pressure reaches the high end of the range.

To ensure proper operation, this valve must be installed by a qualified service technician or licensed plumbing contractor in accordance with these instructions and the local plumbing codes and standards. Repair or alteration of valve in any way is prohibited by national safety standards/local codes.

Use standard or extra length extension thermostat which permits the end of the thermostat to extend into the top 6″ of the tank.

WARNING: Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves should be inspected AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS, and replaced, if necessary, by a licensed plumbing contractor or qualified service technician, to ensure that the product has not been affected by corrosive water conditions and to ensure that the valve and discharge line have not been altered or tampered with illegally.

Another option is that it may be inside the underground area where your water cut-off valve is located. Look for the small plate resembling a maintenance hole cover. You should find it between where the city or county supply lines run alongside the street and the pipes leading into your home.

Have you ever had a leak or a burst pipe and had to turn off your water supply while you sought repairs? If so, then you should already have an idea of where to locate your water pressure regulator. Wherever you went to turn off the water is also where you will find the answer to where you can locate your water pressure regulator.

The water pressure regulator is a part of your plumbing system. The water pressure regulator or pressure reducing valve is installed on your incoming water supply line to regulate the water pressure flowing through your home’s pipes. You can recognize it as a bell-shaped component attached to your exterior pipes.

Also, be sure to compare federal Energy guide labels on electric water heaters before you choose one. The Energy guide label will give you the unit’s estimated annual energy cost. A high-efficiency electric water heater costs more than an inefficient one, but you will be paid back through lower electric bills.

If you happen to have a pressure reducing valve installed on your main water line, you should pay special attention to this. A pressure reducing valve creates a closed system in your home, and will not allow for thermal expansion. If you have one of these, AND your T&P valve drips occasionally, you may need a thermal expansion tank installed.

WARNING: Following installation, the valve lever MUST be operated AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR by the water heater owner to ensure that waterways are clear. Certain naturally occurring mineral deposits may adhere to the valve, blocking waterways, rendering it inoperative. When the lever is operated, hot water will discharge if the waterways are clear. PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY FROM CONTACT WITH HOT WATER AND TO AVOID PROPERTY DAMAGE. Before operating lever, check to see that a discharge line is connected to this valve, directing the flow of hot water from the valve to a proper place of disposal. If no water flows when the lever is operated, replacement of the valve is required. TURN THE WATER HEATER “OFF” (see your water heater instruction manual) AND CALL A PLUMBER IMMEDIATELY.

Recently, I came across a very dangerous situation with electric water heaters, one that Next Plumbing thinks needs to be addressed. A capped or plugged water heater T&P valve is one of the worst “band-aid” fixes you could ever do in your house. Doing so creates the grounds for a potential bomb or missile in your basement! Although rare, the threat of a water heater explosion is very real. It is crucial to hire an experienced and licensed plumber to fix your water heater instead of using DIY “band-aid” fixes.

We can help you with that if you are unsure where to look. Let’s first discuss a bit more about what your water pressure regulator does.

The valve you turned to shut off your water is your main shut-off valve. Once you know where that is located, you should be able to see the water pressure regulator near it on the same pipe.

If you’ve tried all of these things and still aren’t sure where to find your residential water pressure regulator, it might be time to call a licensed plumber like American Home Water and Air to help locate it.

If you are unsure about the pressure of the water entering your home, it is easy to determine this by using a water pressure gauge. Checking it at different times of the day will give you a range, as most municipal water supplies vary based on peak usage times in your area.

A properly installed water pressure regulator should last ten to fifteen years. No maintenance is required during its lifespan, so there isn’t much you can do to extend how long it lasts. There’s not much active maintenance that can go into one of these, so it is difficult to extend its lifespan. However, it is vital to have one as it can help save your plumbing system from preventable damage caused by high water pressure.

Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves used on residential water heaters are typically designed and manufactured to relieve on pressure at 150 psig and on temperature at 210 degrees F. These ASME, ANSI and CSA (AGA) approved relief valves protect the water heater from excess pressures and temperatures by discharging water.

Certain naturally occurring conditions may corrode the valve or its components over time, rendering the valve inoperative. Such conditions can only be detected if the valve and its components are physically removed and inspected.

Water entering your home at high pressure can damage your pipes and fixtures. Over time, this added pressure on your system can result in leaks or burst pipes. For this reason, knowing the water pressure regulator’s location is crucial.

If installation of a thermal expansion device does not relieve occasional dripping from the T&P valve, then the system pressure should be checked. If system pressure is excessive (typically more than 75 PSI), a Watts pressure regulator should be installed on the incoming water line.

If all else fails, consult any home inspection reports you may have from the purchase of your house. This item would have been included in your home inspector’s evaluation of your plumbing system.

Do not attempt to conduct an inspection on your own. Contact your plumbing contractor for a re-inspection to assure continuing safety. FAILURE TO REINSPECT THIS VALVE AS DIRECTED COULD RESULT IN UNSAFE TEMPERATURE OR PRESSURE BUILD-UP WHICH CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND/OR SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Being able to answer the question of “where is my water pressure regulator” can be the difference in whether additional damage is sustained in the event of a pressure problem.

The standard residential water pressure regulator location is usually outside your home, just past the main shut-off valve for your water supply. If you are familiar with your shut-off valve, you should have no problem resolving the question, “where is my water pressure regulator?”

When water is heated it expands. In a 40 gallon water heater, water being heated to its thermostat setting will end up expanding by approximately 1/2 gallon. The extra volume created by this expansion has to go somewhere or pressure will dramatically increase, such as when water is heated in a closed system.

In doing so, a small amount of water will also be dispensed onto the floor. Unfortunately, many people mistake this for a leak or a water heater failure, when in fact, it may simply be doing what it is designed to do. If you ever see water on your floor around this area, you should call a plumber right away. The valve may be failing, in which case it should be replaced, or you may have excessive pressure in your tank, which should be tested for.

A good indication of thermal expansion is when the T&P valve releases about one cup of water for each 10 gallons of heater capacity with each heating cycle. The T&P valve is functioning properly when it relieves pressure caused by thermal expansion, but frequent relief can build up natural mineral deposits on the valve seat, rendering the valve inoperative. This condition can be addressed by the installation of a Watts thermal expansion tank or other Watts thermal expansion device to protect your system from overpressure caused by thermal expansion. If there is no discharge from the valve, there is no need to replace the valve.

Though this is usually located outdoors, in some instances, you might find it located in a basement, garage or other indoor water pressure regulator location due to unusual construction. Otherwise, you should see it outdoors, near the front side of your home.

Controlling your water heater allows you to take full advantage of the efficiency of the storage tank. This allows water to be heated during non-peak hours for use throughout the day. Automatic timers can do the job for you. Properly sized water heaters provide enough hot water to meet your needs round the clock.

Hopefully, this guide has given the information you need about where to find your water pressure regulator and why having one is necessary. If you need more information, you can always contact American Home Water and Air experts to discuss your concerns or get answers to any remaining questions.

As with most homeowners, you probably only think about your water heater when there is no hot water for your shower or you notice a puddle underneath the water heater. Whatever the reason, when it is time to buy a water heater, consider electric ones because they offer features that ensure a long life and an economical supply of hot water.

Another factor to look for when you’re shopping for a new electric water heater is the amount of built-in insulation it offers. Although this type of water heater generally costs more than one with minimal insulation, you’ll be saving money in the long run by reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the water hot.

One great feature of many types of electric water heaters is a non-metallic storage tank. Manufacturers of these tanks warranty them against leakage, eliminating a major cause of early water-heater failure. And if you live in an area with corrosive water, you’ll find this feature to be especially cost-effective.

The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is one of the most important safety devices in your home. If the temperature rises above 210 degrees Fahrenheit or the pressure exceeds 150 psi, the valve will open and relieve the pressure inside the tank.