Many homeowners feel nervous about messing around with their water heaters. We understand. The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home and you don’t want to break it.

Fortunately, opening a temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve isn’t all that hard. It’s an easy task with the only real tricky part being finding the where the TPR valve is on your model. Continue reading to learn more about how to find the valve and the steps to open it.

Finding the Pressure Relief Valve

The TPR valve is found near the top of the water heater. It’s usually identifiable by a lever you raise up and down. It also has a discharge pipe. This pipe runs the length of the water heater to its base. If you don’t see the TPR valve, check the owner’s manual for more information.

How to Open the TPR Valve

On most units, testing is straightforward. You lift the valve up until the brass step rises. As you do this, you’ll hear the hot water rush from the pipe at the bottom on the tank. Once you hear this, push the lever back and close the valve. This stops the water flow and keeps everything status quo.

The reason your water heater has a TPR valve is to lower pressure in the tank by releasing water. If your water heater didn’t have this valve, it’s possible that the pressure in the tank could get so high that the water heater explodes.

Yeah, we know, that’s scary sounding. Luckily, that’s usually not a problem, but it is why you should test the valve each year. You want to make sure that it’s working well. When you schedule annual water heater maintenance with My Sherman Oaks Plumber Hero, we include TPR valve testing as part of our service.

Why You Need to Check the TPR Valve

Opening the TPR valve lets you know that it’s working correctly. It also gives you the opportunity to check for water leaks from the heater and relieves any built-up pressure in the tank. At any time you think there’s a problem, call My Sherman Oaks Plumber Hero. We will send a plumber to your place to make any necessary repairs or replacements.

Keep in mind that when your water heater continues to give you problems, it might be time for a replacement. Our licensed plumbers in Sherman Oaks, CA, are happy to help you find the right replacement for your budget and the right size for your house. Call us today to learn more!