How to Replace Your Water Heater Gas Valve?

​The water heater installed in your house could become a ticking time bomb if it not positioned and maintained properly. Even though the explosion of water heater is a rare occurrence, it could explode because of a faulty or damaged temperature and pressure relief valve. These valves are important as they offer protection from high pressure and temperature build ups.

Let’s take a look the five easy steps that show how you can replace a damaged or old water heater valve.

Turn Off the Water Heater
The first step before you alter or replace any safety devices residing on the hot water heater is to turn it off. You must shut off hot water heater valve, and the temperature dial must be kept on its lowest setting. Let the water heater rest for about 3 hours so it can cool down. Or, you can run the water until it becomes lukewarm. After this, turn off the water supply to your hot water heater.

Release Pressure
The second step is opening a hot water faucet for releasing pressure on the lines. Start by positioning a 5-gallon bucket under the tank drainage valve. You must drain enough water so that the water from tank reaches a level below the relief valve. 5 to 10 gallons of water drainage proves to be sufficient when a temperature-pressure valve is located on the top of a 50-gallon tank.

Examine the Discharge Line
The third step is to examine the discharge line of the temperature-pressure valve. This discharge line should run in a downward direction from the valve and should reach to the bottom of the tank. You must remove this discharge line by splitting it through a cutter or by cutting it with a hacksaw at least 2 inches below the valve. After this, pull out the nut-shaped connector that is threaded into the temperature-pressure relief valve. This can be done using a pair of slip-joint pliers or a wrench. You can then keep aside the discharge line for reuse.

Remove the Valve
The fourth step includes removing the temperature-pressure relief valve from the hot water tank by turning it counterclockwise using a large pipe wrench. You must clean threads of the relief valve opening by making use of a wire brush. After this, you can wipe away the remaining debris using a rag.

Apply a good adhesive sealant to the threads of the new relief valve. You must insert the temperature-pressure relief valve into the opening of the tank and thread it hand-tight. Fasten the valve using a pipe wrench by doing three to four full turns. After this, you must align the valve in such a manner that it’s opening point faces downward toward the base of the tank. 

Turn on the Water Supply
The fifth and last step is turning on the water supply to the hot water heater. This allows the air trapped in the faucet to be released through the outlet. After this, close the faucet. You must remember to flip open the lever on the temperature-pressure relief valve for a few seconds to determine whether it is operating properly.

The proper functioning of a temperature-pressure valve is critical for the safe and secure operation of a hot water heater. If you are still not sure about changing temperature-pressure valve correctly, seek help from our professional plumbers in Edmonton.