Water heater is an appliance whose functioning is something that keeps the entire house running and in action. Breakdown of a water heater can literally bring things to a standstill in any residential or commercial set up. Especially when you talk of colder regions, there is no way that you can do without hot water. Electric water heaters and gas water heaters are two of its type that is primarily used. However, both have a pressure relief valve to remove high-pressure water from the hot water tank.

If the pressure relief valve is not working properly, the tank might burst out that could be hazardous. Make sure this valve is working correctly, if not, get it replaced without any delay. Learn some basic steps to replace the valve rightly.

Remove all electric power from the hot water heater. In the case of a gas fired hot water heater, shut off the gas by the gas valve on the water heater tank. Shut off the cold water feed to the hot water tank.

Empty the water from the heater. Open a hot water faucet, and drain the water. It will hardly take approximately three to five minutes. No need to empty the full tank, just do it up to the level of the relief valve.

Unscrew the drain pipe or the overflow pipe from the valve. Make use of a pipe wrench in this case. Generally, the relief valve resides either on the upper side of the heater’s tank or on its top.

Detach the pressure relief valve from the heater using a large pipe wrench and turning the valve counterclockwise. Prepare the new relief valve by covering the threads of the valve with the Teflon tape.

Place back the drain pipe once the new valve is attached. Also, put in the drain spigot. Turn the water supply back on to water heater. Make sure water is running from the open faucet before turning the power back on. Make sure, no leaks are there.

One should not go for replacing the relief valves without acquiring fair learning about it. Call in the plumber, if facing problem in putting them. Moreover, to avoid burns, wear work gloves to protect your hands, and wear goggles to protect your eyes.

John Robbins passes on his vast knowledge of plumbing through well written articles. Plumbers appreciate his up-to-date and expert articles. Those wanting to get a better understanding of a leaking water heater relief valve and oil furnace issues, visit eLocalPlumbers.com.