As any homeowner knows, it’s so easy to completely overlook the maintenance of certain parts of the home. Your water heater is an excellent example, with elements of it, like the pressure valve, going unchecked for months or years at a time. However, this can be catastrophic. We look at why regularly checking your water heater’s pressure valve matters and how to go about making sure your pressure is always in good shape.
Why Does Checking Your Water Heater’s Pressure Valve Matter?
If you’re not aware of what your pressure valve on your water heater is designed to do, this is a safety feature that’s supposed to release pressure when the heat rises too high, and steam starts to build.
There are two problems that you can run into if you don’t check your pressure valve and something is wrong with it: a valve that’s stuck open and a valve that’s stuck closed. A valve that’s stuck open becomes a problem for you when water keeps dripping out of the valve. This creates a problem in the form of both increased water usage (which is going to be a shock when you get your next water bill) and structural damage caused by water damage and mold growth around your water heater.
On the other hand, you could end up with a pressure valve that malfunctions and doesn’t release pressure at all. When this happens, pressure can build up to a dangerous level, potentially causing your water heater to explode.
Of course, you could end up with a more mundane, yet very irksome, problem as well. If you don’t maintain your water heater’s pressure valve, you might void your warranty, which will be expensive for you if you end up having to replace your water heater and cover it out of pocket.
How to Check Your Water Heater’s Pressure Valve
Whenever you’re working with something you’re unfamiliar with or something that could lead to injury when it’s not handled right, always work with a professional. You can have a plumber come over every so often to take a look at your pressure valve. They’ll make sure that it’s working properly and help you avoid potential messes or injuries. The general rule of thumb to follow is to have your plumber come over every six months or 12 months to look at your pressure valve and other elements of your water heater.
A faulty pressure valve could end up exploding in your home or causing damage slowly over time. Know the importance of checking your pressure valve with the above, and reach out to your plumber if it’s been a while since you last had someone look at it. When you need water heater services in Greenville, SC, contact Dipple Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air.
