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pressure release valve

Started by FredS, Feb 14, 2007, 04:27 PM

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FredS

I have to replace my pressure release valve and this thing won't budge at all. I have been trying to use an adjustable wrench and am getting no where. Is there a special tool to get more leverage or do i need to keep at it until I can work it free.

Recumbentman

you know that its a left-hand thread  ;) don't you ??

FredS

Quote from: Recumbentmanyou know that its a left-hand thread  ;) don't you ??
It won't go either way. It's stuck but good.

ForestCreature

Quote from: FredSIt won't go either way. It's stuck but good.
If you can locate a can of
Kano Kroil
a few drops & that'll likely help get that bugger loose.

chip

PB Blaster works well too.  Spray can, available at auto parts stores.

Is this the pressure relief valve onthe water heater?

tlhdoc

Yes it is.:)
Quote from: chipPB Blaster works well too. Spray can, available at auto parts stores.
 
Is this the pressure relief valve onthe water heater?

mike4947

If you are replacing it because it "leaked" you might not have to. They Leak not only from being "bad" but because folks leave the water heaters full without using them between trips and the air pocket needed for pressure expansion when the water heats has gotten disolved into the water and when the heater heats the expansion makes the relief valve "weep" to relieve the pressure.
You have got remember there are check valves in the city water conenction and a demand pump that do not allow any reverse flow so when the heater heats there is no where for the expansion if the designed in air pocket has disappeared.
The cure is to drain the heater and refill. That give you a new air pocket.
If the valve still weeps it's usually because of hard water forming deposits on the relief seal; and in that case yes you need to replace the relief valve.
 
FYI: house water heaters do not have air chambers as until recently house water systems could actually back up to the water main. Newer regulations requiring a back flow preventer at the service entrance has required plumbers to add an expansion chamber to take the expansion from the water heater.

AustinBoston

Quote from: chipPB Blaster works well too.  Spray can, available at auto parts stores.

I've used PB Blaster a couple of times (including on the hot water heater's sacrifical anode), and it works better than anything else I've tried.  If you can't get it off with PB blaster, you'll need a torch.

Chemically, it's nasty stuff though.  Clean all parts thoroughly and flush the hot water heater well to get rid of it.

Austin