At some point, all homeowners need to know how to release pressure from a water heater. Having a functional water heating system is essential for maintaining your home’s temperature and comfort levels. Unfortunately, problems do arise—from trouble with the thermostat to over-pressurization that can cause significant damage to your equipment and any surrounding areas or property if left unnoticed.
While tackling such problems without professional help may seem daunting at first glance, you’ll be relieved and proud to learn that troubleshooting and resolving any issues with your water heater are easier than you think when armed with the right knowledge!
This blog post will take you step-by-step through everything you need to know about how to release pressure from water heater safely so you can restore safety and comfort back into your home quickly.
What Will You Need?
First and foremost, you’ll need to gather the following supplies before getting started on how to release pressure from your water heater:
- A Phillips Head Screwdriver
- An adjustable wrench
- Safety glasses or goggles
Once you have all of these items, you can begin the process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Release Pressure From Water Heater
Step 1. Turn Off the Power:
Before doing anything else, make sure that you turn off the power and/or gas to your water heater. You should also shut down any other appliances that draw on the same power source. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional.
Step 2. Locate the Pressure-Release Valve:
The pressure-release valve is typically located on the side of the water heater. It’s a small, round valve with a threaded stem and a lever handle. If you can’t find it, consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional.
Step 3. Open the Valve Handle:
Using your Phillips head screwdriver, turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Doing this will open up the valve, allowing air to escape and releasing any built-up pressure inside the tank. Be careful not to turn it too far as this can cause water to discharge from the valve.
Step 4. Monitor Pressure Release:
You should take note of how quickly or how long it takes for all of the air to be released from the tank. If it takes longer than about 30 seconds, you may have an issue with your pressure relief valve that could indicate potential damage to your appliance or surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional if this is the case.
Step 5. Turn Off the Valve Handle:
Once you have released all the pressure, turn off the valve handle by turning it counterclockwise with your Phillips head screwdriver until it stops. This will help to prevent any additional air or water from being released. If the handle does not turn off, use your adjustable wrench to remove it carefully.
Step 6. Check for Leaks:
Using an adjustable wrench, check the valve stem to ensure no leaks are present after closing the valve handle. If you find a leak, use thread compound on the threads of the stem and retighten with your adjustable wrench until secure. Try to not over-tighten the valve handle, as it can cause damage if done incorrectly.
Step 7. Replace Pressure-Release Valve:
If you find that the pressure-release valve is still leaking after trying different methods, it may be time to replace it. Make sure to purchase a replacement valve that is specifically designed for your water heater model. There are different sizes and shapes, so make sure to get one that fits the exact dimensions of your current valve.
Step 8. Install the New Valve:
Turn off all power again and remove the old valve from the tank using an adjustable wrench. Then, install the new valve by screwing it in place with your Phillips head screwdriver and tightening it with an adjustable wrench until secure. If you need additional help, refer to the installation guide that came with your new valve.
Step 9. Open Pressure-Release Valve Handle:
Once you have installed the new valve, open the handle counterclockwise with your Phillips head screwdriver until it stops. You may need to readjust how tight it is after opening the handle as well, so use an adjustable wrench if necessary. Don’t forget to use thread compound on the threads of the stem if needed.
Step 10. Turn Power Back On:
Once you have checked for any leaks again, it’s time to turn the power back on and test out how well the new valve works. Of course, if you ever feel uneasy about a particular step or can’t seem to get it right, make sure to contact a professional for help. Otherwise, you should be all set!
Now that you know how to release pressure from the water heater safely, you can rest assured knowing that your home is safe and comfortable once more! Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with doing DIY projects around the house and having reliable knowledge at your fingertips.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Check the pressure relief valve to ensure it works correctly. Close the valve and then open it a quarter of a turn. If you hear water flowing out, the valve is functioning properly.
2. Make sure all of the hot water faucets in your home are open when releasing pressure from the water heater. This helps to relieve the pressure evenly.
3. Don’t forget to check the temperature and pressure relief valve for any dirt or debris that may have built up over time. Cleaning this off will help ensure the valve is operating correctly.
4. Ensure that you wear protective gloves when releasing pressure from your water heater, as hot steam or boiling water can cause burns.
5. If you’re ever uncertain how to release pressure from your water heater safely, it’s best to contact a qualified plumbing professional for assistance. They’ll be able to provide advice and complete the task safely and efficiently.
By following these five tips, you can ensure the proper release of pressure from your water heater, keeping yourself and your home safe.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Don’t force the pressure relief valve to open. This could cause serious damage and even result in an explosion or a flood.
2. Don’t leave the pressure relief valve in the closed position for too long as this can cause excessive pressure build-up inside the water heater.
3. Don’t tamper with other valves connected to the water heater, such as shutoff valves or expansion tanks.
4. Don’t overfill the tank by adding too much water; this will increase pressure inside the tank and may lead to an unsafe situation.
5. Don’t attempt to fix a broken relief valve yourself unless you have adequate experience with plumbing repairs. This could put you at risk of injury or further damage to the heater.
It’s important to be aware of how to safely release pressure from your water heater and take proactive steps when needed. Make sure to check the pressure relief valve regularly and inspect any other related valves and fittings for wear or damage. If you suspect a problem or if you need help performing maintenance on your water heater, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for assistance. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your water heater works properly and won’t put your family at risk.
Should You Open the Pressure Valve to Drain the Water Heater?
No, you should not open the pressure valve to drain a water heater. This could lead to the release of high-pressure steam, which is incredibly hazardous and can cause serious injury or even death.
Instead, you should shut off the power supply and disconnect any plumbing connections before draining the water heater. For more detailed instructions on how to safely drain your water heater, check your manual or contact a qualified plumbing professional for assistance. Taking proper safety precautions is always recommended when dealing with any appliance that uses electricity or produces high levels of heat.
Remember that releasing pressure from water heaters is important in keeping your home safe and comfortable — especially in cold winter! Follow these steps carefully to make sure that your home stays warm and pressure-free.
Conclusion
After all, is said and done, sensing and releasing pressure from a water heater is a relatively simple process. First, you need to locate the pressure valve. After this, you only have to use an adjustable wrench to flip the lever upwards. To ensure the system is safe and functioning correctly, it’s always wise to monitor the pressure gauge levels.
Lastly, if it looks like your tank might be at risk of damage due to excessive pressure, don’t forget that installing a thermal expansion tank can help balance things out and reduce potential risks or damage. Taking care of these small tasks will ensure that you’re not met with any untoward surprises in the future!
Hopefully, the article on how to release pressure from water heater has been of help. Taking care of these small tasks will ensure that you’re not met with any untoward surprises in the future!
