A customer in the Melbourne eastern suburb of Balwyn this week had a “valve” leaking on the side of their mains pressure hot water service.
The valve on the side of the water heater is dripping water. Is the valve damaged or is there another problem?
A Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve is fitted to each hot water heater. Its function is to provide both thermal and pressure relief when required. This will be in the form of discharging water from the valve.
There are four types of flow which could be observed from the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.
– Normal Operation
When water is heated through a 50C temperature rise, its volume will expand by approximately 2%. This expansion is discharged through the T&PR valve. It is normal operation for the T&PR valve to discharge or dribble water during the heating cycle. The T&PR valve will discharge water equivalent to 2% in volume of the total hot water used in one day. Therefore, a drain line must be connected to the T&PR valve to take discharge clear of the heater to a suitable termination point. This type of discharge occurs only when a non-return or check valve is installed on the cold water supply line after the stop cock. It is normal and desirable that this valve allows a small quantity of water to escape during the heating cycle. However, if it discharges more than a bucket full of water in 24 hours, there may be a problem!
– Continuous Dribble
If there is dirt or grit present under the seat of the valve, it may prevent the valve seat from closing properly. Therefore, a continuous dribble may be experienced. This dirt may be dislodged by operating the easing lever and allowing a full flow of water to wash over the seat.
– Steady flows for long period. {often at night}
It may be possible for the incoming cold water pressure to be in excess of the pressure rating of the T&PR valve. This will result in a excess of the pressure rating of the T&PR valve. This will result in a continuous flow of water from the T&PR valve without cycling. Ask Tom Plumb to fit a pressure limiting valve. NEVER replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating.
– Heavy flows of hot water until water heater is cold-then stops until water reheats.
The T&PR valve also operates as a temperature activated safety device. If by chance both the thermostat and over temperature energy cut-out fail on a water heater, then the electrical element or gas burner would operate continuously. Therefore, when the water temperature reaches 98-99C, the T&PR valve will open allowing a flow of water in quantity discharging the full capacity of the water heater then stopping, only to repeat this at intervals. This thermal relief if provided under high temperature conditions by expansion of the polythene rod inside the temperature probe, which causes the stainless steel push rod to lift the valve off its seat. The valve stays open until cooler water surround the temperature probe, allowing the polythene rod to contract.
If thermal relief does occur, the water heater must be switched off at the switchboard if it is an electric water heater. If it is a gas water heater, the gas control must be turned off using the knob on top of the gas control thermostat. Phone Tom Plumb to arrange an inspection on 0418 328 767.
Note: If a Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve requires replacement, then the correct valve must be installed. Never install a T&PR Valve with a pressure rating higher than the rated working pressure of the mains pressure hot water unit.
By the way the customer from North Balwyn received prompt service re their leaking hot water unit where the hot water unit was serviced and a new valve fitted!
Plumber on Call: 0418 328 767