Water Heaters - How to test T/P relief valve ?

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clocert
08-03-08, 04:21 PM
I have a 7 year old water heater. Works fine, but never tested T/P valve. Wonder If I can easily test the valve myself, and how? Thanks.

Michael Thomas
08-03-08, 04:44 PM
See the instructions here: http://www.watts.com/pdf/ES-10L-100XL.pdf.

More general instructions are available on pp 4 here: http://www.watts.com/pdf/F-DE-865.pdf

Often an older TPRV will not stop leaking once it is operated for testing, so be prepared to replace it. For this reason many home inspectors will not test TPRVs, some who do first try to gently rotate (not lift) the handle - if it does not turn freely there is a good chance the valve will not seat properly after testing.
594tough
08-03-08, 08:20 PM
Flipping the lever as described, to ensure that the seat is not gunked shut, is all that is required. Actual testing to verify operation at specified limits is well beyond DIY, and certainly could not be done installed on the WH. I believe the rationale for not worring about that is that the design and construction, and associated ASME rating, are so robust that there is a very high likelihood that it will perform as required, for the life of the WH.

clocert
08-03-08, 09:40 PM
Folks, Thanks a lot. .