In your home there is a rocket. It weighs between 300 – 1200 Lbs. and can, without even a moment’s notice launch itself through the roof of your home, fly several hundred feet in the air, and land a block away. This rocket hides in basements, closets, garages, attics, and even under kitchen counters. We all have one of these rockets in our home and most don't even know it.
The rocket is your water heater and you need to test the T&P relief valve on your water heater at least once a year to make sure it is working properly. This simple test should ensure the rocket will never launch.
High Res version:
The test is simple and involves opening the lever on your temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve for short. This test does not require any special tools and while quite simple to perform, there are some precautions to take to prevent scalding.
On the T&P relief valve on your water heater there is a small handle that lifts a pin in the center of the relief valve. Before testing make sure you are in a safe position where you will not be struck by the hot water discharge, and that you know how to shut off the water supply to the water heater. You don’t have to turn it off but you need to know how to do it as the valve when tested may not reseat properly and continue to leak. If this occurs you will need to be able to shut off the water until the valve can be replaced. All you need to do for the test is lift the handle so the valve opens then release it so it closes. If the valve is frozen and cannot be opened or does not close fully it should be replaced. This test does not ruin the water relief valve. If the relief valve fails the test it was already bad and was not offering the protection you need. Regular testing may actually increase the life of the valve. Test the valve a minimum of once a year.
