The TPR (Temperature/Pressure Relief) valve usually helps to increase water heater safety by helping to prevent explosions that occur as a result of thermal expansion. It does this by providing an opening through which excess water can escape. This usually reduces the volume of water in the heating system, thus preventing excessive build-up of pressure. Here are some of the things that you should pay attention to when it comes to your water heater's TPR valve.

Whether the TPR valve is leaking

When there is an excessive build-up of pressure, the TPR valve usually opens allowing water and steam to escape. When this happens, you will likely notice signs of a leak around the area where the valve is located. This is likely a sign of an existing defect that has the potential of causing your water heater to explode.

Some of the defects that can cause the TPR valve to leak include things like a faulty thermostat and a malfunctioning expansion. And since replacing a faulty thermostat and fixing a malfunctioning expansion tank requires specialized skills, it is usually advisable that you call an HVAC contractor and have the water heater inspected as soon as you notice any leaks. Doing so will help keep your family safe.

Where the hot water is discharged

While thermal expansion is a common cause of TPR valve leaks, it is not the only cause of such leaks. The hot water that is discharged through the TPR valve usually evaporates. And when it does, it can leave behind mineral salt deposits. When these salts accumulate around the valve's opening, they can prevent the valve from closing. This, in addition to a defective TPR valve, is the other reason why the TPR valve can leak.

Any hot water leaks from the TPR valve usually pose a safety risk around the home. To help protect your loved ones from scalding, it is usually advisable that you install a discharge tube on the TPR valve opening. By guiding the hot water to a drainage system outside the home, this pipe will go a long way towards helping to make your home safer.

For an effective discharge process, it is usually advisable that the pipe be installed in such a way that the water flows downwards – not against gravity. Making sure that the pipe does not have sharp bends will also go a long way towards ensuring easy water flow and hence reducing the chances of clogging.

For more details, contact a company like C & D Cooling & Heating Co.