Reducing High Pressure Saves Water

Working with water piping

Temperature and pressure relief valves, usually called T&P valves, release water from a water heater when the temperature and pressure inside the tank become dangerously high.  This usually happens when a thermostat sticks and won’t shut off.  People die from water heater explosions every year caused by defective (or missing) T&P valves.

Although the most important consideration in installing a pressure-reduction valve is to reduce excessively high, damaging water pressure, a hidden benefit in installing one is water savings.  A faucet that runs for ten minutes at 100 psi delivers 45 gallons of water.  At 50 psi, that volume is cut to 30 gallons.  You will still have plenty of water for your needs – without wasting it – at reasonably strong pressure.

Installing and adjusting T&P valve

• Wrap pipe-thread sealing tape around the threads of the new valve, and tighten the valve into the heater.
• To test the T&P valve after installation, lift the release lever until water shoots through the overflow tube.
• Pressure-reduction valves are adjustable.  Thread the adjustment screw up or down, then tighten the locknut.

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