This Keeps Your Water Heater From Exploding

Mineral buildups, rust, or broken parts can cause T&P valves to stop working. When the T&P valve on your water heater isn’t working, extra pressure pushes into your plumbing. The pipes and appliances in your house will expand and contract with the pressure. That includes the water heater tank. When that happens, it can crack the glass liners inside your water heater.

Leaking fixtures or pressure in your plumbing appliances are two big indicators of a T&P valve problem. The good news is that when you turn on a faucet, this relieves system pressure. That's also why most water heater failures happen when people are out of town and aren’t turning on faucets. If your T&P valve is always leaking, that’s another red flag.

• 1: Disconnect power or shut off the gas valve for the water heater.
• 2: Close the cold water inlet valve or main water supply.
• 3: Turn on the hot water at a faucet to relieve the pressure inside the water heater.
• 4: Place a bucket under the pipe connected to the valve on the top or side of the tank.
• 5: Lift the valve's tab. You should hear rushing air or see some water exit the valve. If not, it's time to replace it.
• 6: Let go of the valve. If water keeps flowing, this is another indicator of a bad valve.