
If you have one of these, AND your T&P valve drips occasionally, you may need a thermal expansion tank installed. A pressure reducing valve creates a closed system in your home, and will not allow for thermal expansion. If you happen to have a pressure reducing valve installed on your main water line, you should pay special attention to this. 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. If you ever see water on your floor around this area, you should call a plumber right away. 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. In doing so, a small amount of water will also be dispensed onto the floor.

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. The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is one of the most important safety devices in your home. It is crucial to hire an experienced and licensed plumber to fix your water heater instead of using DIY "band-aid" fixes.Ĭontact Next Plumbing to schedule your next water heater service in Fort Myers.

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. A capped or plugged water heater T&P valve is one of the worst “band-aid” fixes you could ever do in your house. Recently, I came across a very dangerous situation with electric water heaters, one that Next Plumbing thinks needs to be addressed. How Does a Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve Work?
