A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
Your hot water heater contains a critically important component known as the pressure relief valve. Should pressure begin to build to unmanageable levels inside the water heater, the pressure relief valve will open and release water and steam to prevent an explosion.
Make no mistake about it: a hot water heater explosion can be deadly and can also devastate a home. If the pressure relief valve on your hot water heater is leaking, then it will need to be replaced. Below is how you can remove an old valve and install a new one to take its place.
1. Turn off the water and power
Begin by shutting down the water supply to your hot water heater; the intake valve is located near the top of most water heaters, and you can turn off the water by turning it clockwise. Next, disconnect the power to the water heater to prevent a possible shock or damage to the heating element. If the water heater is gas-fired, then turn the gas shutoff valve one-quarter of a turn to block the incoming gas flow.
2. Drain hot water from the tank
After cutting off power to the water heater and disconnecting the incoming water supply, the next step is to drain the tank. To drain the water heater, turn on all hot water faucets in your house to empty the tank. You don't have to remove every drop of water, but you need access to the pressure relief valve and don't want water spraying on you during the process.
3. Locate and disassemble the pressure relief valve
In modern water heaters, the pressure relief valve is made of brass and will be located near the top of the water heater. There is a metal switch on the valve that can be activated for testing when the tank is full and under pressure. You will also note that the pressure relief valve screws into the tank on one end and into a section of copper drain tubing on the other end.
Before you remove the valve from the water heater, disconnect the drain tubing from the valve by using an adjustable wrench.
4. Remove and replace the pressure relief valve
The last step is to remove the defective valve and install a new one. Unscrew the old valve by turning it counterclockwise until it comes free from the water heater tank. Next, apply a couple of turns of pipe thread tape to the new valve and carefully insert the valve into the opening on the tank. Make a few turns by hand to seal the valve, then use a strap wrench to tighten the pressure relief valve.
Next, reattach the drain overflow line to the other end of the valve. Be sure it is also firmly tightened to prevent future leaks. Finally, reestablish the electrical or gas connection and turn on the water supply to refill the water heater.
For professional assistance with any water heater maintenance, contact a company like R & B Inc Heating & Air Conditioning.
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