If your water heater experiences an unexpected increase in pressure or temperature, a pressure relief valve (PRV) will automatically open to prevent the water inside from over-pressurizing and causing damage to the entire plumbing system. PRVs do not have to be replaced often, but it is important to know when yours is reaching the end of its useful life and needs replacing. They typically fail because of age or buildup inside the tank and other factors like water hammer or pressure spikes from a nearby fire hydrant are all things that could cause them to fail sooner than expected. PRVs are not always obvious or visible because they are often installed underground or inside a wall, making it even harder to identify if it needs to be replaced. Because of this, it is important to regularly inspect your water heater and its pressure relief valve for warning signs that it may be near the end of its useful life.

What are the signs that your water heater needs a new PRV?

There are many different signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life, including but not limited to:- Water hammer - Water hammer occurs when there is a sudden change in flow or pressure, such as when a nearby fire hydrant is opened. The sudden increase in pressure can cause your PRV to fail.- High water temperature - If your water is reaching above a certain temperature, typically between 100 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, then the PRV may be failing.- Water discolouration - If water coming from the faucet is discoloured or has an unusual smell, this may be an indicator that there is a buildup inside the water heater.- Water hammer - If the water hammer is constant or loud enough that it can be heard through the walls of your home, then it may be time to replace the water heater. A loud water hammer will not only be annoying, but could also be dangerous if it is making it difficult to hear other sounds in your home, such as your smoke alarm.- If your water is discoloured or smells bad, this may be a sign of a leak from inside the water heater.- If your water is coming out at a very high flow rate, this may be an indication that the water heater is failing.

Why is it important to replace a water heater pressure relief valve?

A water pressure relief valve is a safety feature of your water heater that automatically opens to prevent the water inside from over-pressurizing and causing damage to the entire plumbing system. PRVs do not have to be replaced often, but it is important to know when yours is reaching the end of its useful life and needs replacing. They typically fail because of age or buildup inside the tank and other factors like water hammer or pressure spikes from a nearby fire hydrant are all things that could cause them to fail sooner than expected. PRVs are not always obvious or visible because they are often installed underground or inside a wall, making it even harder to identify if it needs to be replaced. Because of this, it is important to regularly inspect your water heater and its pressure relief valve for warning signs that it may be near the end of its useful life.

When and how should you replace your water heater PRV?

If you notice any of the above signs, it is time to replace your water heater PRV. Generally speaking, it is recommended to replace a PRV every 10 to 15 years. If you have a high flow rate in your home, you may want to replace sooner, as high flow rates can decrease the lifespan of a PRV. PRVs are installed in most water heaters and can be accessed by unscrewing the cover on the top of the tank. Once you remove the cover, you will have easy access to the PRV, which is located inside the tank.Most water heaters come with a factory-issued PRV that is only good for approximately 10 years, so it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Reaching the end of a PRV’s useful life will likely result in a higher chance of water hammer and an increase in water temperature.

How much does a pressure relief valve cost?

The average price of a new PRV is between $150 and $250, but can vary depending on the model and the contractor you choose. If you already have a PRV on your water heater and notice that it is getting close to the end of its useful life, then you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid any issues. You can also increase your chances of finding a good used PRV by searching online or calling a plumbing company to see if they have any available for purchase.

Final Words

The pressure relief valve on your water heater is an important safety feature and should be replaced when it is nearing the end of its useful life. Not only does it help to prevent water damage, but it can also help to reduce repair costs if a pipe bursts. It is recommended to replace a PRV every 10 to 15 years. If you have a high flow rate in your home, you may want to replace your PRV sooner. PRVs are installed in most water heaters and can be accessed by unscrewing the cover on the top of the tank. Once you remove the cover, you will have easy access to the PRV, which is located inside the tank.- PRVs are a crucial part of your water heater that needs to be replaced when they start to fail. They function by regulating water pressure to prevent the water inside from over-pressurizing and causing damage to the entire plumbing system.- PRVs are relatively inexpensive to replace and are recommended to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.- PRVs are often installed underground or inside a wall, making them harder to identify if they are failing.- PRVs are crucial to the safety of your home and should be replaced as soon as they fail.