Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Leaking After Replacement
Water heater pressure relief valve leak. In wintertime, the boiler is our best ally to have hot water. Its installation must be meticulous since an improper connection can cause accidents. Know the importance of the safety valve in your boiler.
What is a safety or relief valve?
The heaters have a safety valve, and its function is to relieve the pressure of the thermos flask.
Safety or relief valve.
Heaters have this safety valve whose function is to protect the heater by relieving the pressure through dripping. Its mission is to prevent the explosion of the thermos due to excess pressure.
The second function is to prevent the return of hot water from the heater to the cold water pipe.
How does the safety or relief valve work?
It works utilizing a plug that keeps the water leakage closed. A spring maintains this plug. When the internal pressure exceeds the spring pressure, the plug gives way, allowing the water to flow, when the water escapes the pressure decreases and the plug returns to its initial position.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsTEFLpKqq4[/embedyt]Solution: what to do if your pressure relief valve leaking.
The first solution is to have connected a small drain connected to the valve of the safety of the heater, it is also mandatory in facilities water new, we can also put a bowl to collect the water, but it is very uncomfortable because we have to be aware that no overflow
Even in the event that we have a pressure in the house of more than 4 or 4.5 bars, it is convenient to install a pressure regulator at the entrance of the house, or at least three meters from the valve, never at the opening of the thermos because if No, it won’t work.
If we also install an expansion vessel, between the safety valve and the thermostat it will absorb the excess pressure when heated and our thermos will stop leaking, it has the defect of being somewhat bulky. Still, it is worth it, keep in mind that a high pressure in the water installation it will significantly shorten the life of our heater and other elements of the installation.
Another solution if our thermos loses water is to lower the temperature of the thermostat to less temperature less pressure, also, not very high temperature will significantly reduce the energy-saving and the life of the heater.
What should I do if it drips a lot?
- If you notice that you lose a lot, the valve may be damaged; the service life is around two years. You can try to change it; it is not complicated or calls a technician.
- To control the temperature of the heater, it is advisable that it be at an ECO temperature or not too high to generate less pressure and extend the life of the electric heater.
- If it leaks while the thermo is off, it is the pressure of the network. The pressure of the water network should not exceed 3.5 bar; if it is higher, a pressure reducer could be placed.
- If it is a normal water loss, one solution is to connect the valve outlet to a drain or have a container that collects the water.
Drip through the safety valve
The second source of a heater dripping may be the loss of water through the safety valve. This failure can occur if the internal pressure of the heater is too high, and, in this case, the boiler drops as a safety measure. An uncontrolled increase in the pressure of the equipment could entail risks of explosion, hence the release of water.
Usually, the reason why this breakdown regularly appears is an excess of pressure in the water pipes of the home. The short term solution is to install a drain that takes away these losses. But the definitive answer to this problem is to install a pressure reducing valve that lowers the pressure of the pipes of the house.
Drip through another heater zone
Finally, the drip may come from any other part of the heater, from an unknown place under the housing. In electric heaters, care must be taken with corrosion, since, if the anode is not changed, corrosion can begin to affect the structure of the equipment. If any part of the thermos has been drilled, the solution involves changing the thermos completely, since this fault is irreparable.
Therefore, to avoid corrosion problems, it is recommended to pass an annual inspection to check the condition of the anode. In case you need to make any repairs, we always recommend going to the official technical service.
Drip through the flange
The flange or the resistance holder is a kind of cover that is usually placed at the bottom of the heater, and in it, many pieces are anchored. When the equipment drips through the flange, the most common solution is usually to replace the anode that prevents lime from accumulating in the heater, a change of resistance, and also changing the flange, since these three pieces make up a set. Changing this set of parts should solve this type of dripping.
Why is the safety valve necessary?
A boiler works very similarly to an express pot. While heating the volume of water increases, generating a pressure inside the heater. If the pressure exceeds the level supported by the valve, this will open, releasing water and steam.
The pressure release prevents breakage in the pipes, heaters, and, most importantly, prevents explosions.
How do I know the valve is failing?
First, identify your safety valve. In the lower part of the boiler, there are two hoses; the valve is located in the cold water inlet.
If the valve is leaking or leaking, it is necessary to contact a plumber to check and, if necessary, replace the valve.
Please take into account that when dismantling it, boiling water may come out of the boiler. It is best to drain it before starting to avoid burns.
If you need guidance, ask your reliable advisor.
