What Is a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve and Why Is It Important?

A water heater is essential for everyday activities, providing hot water for showers, cooking, and cleaning. But with this convenience comes the need for safety precautions—specifically, the water heater pressure relief valve . But what exactly is this valve, and why is it such a critical safety feature? Let’s break it down. What Does the Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Do? The water heater pressure relief valve , often referred to as the TPR valve (Temperature and Pressure Relief valve), is a vital safety component designed to protect your water heater from dangerous malfunctions. As water heats up in the tank, it expands, raising both the temperature and the pressure inside. If this pressure builds up beyond the tank’s tolerance, it could cause catastrophic damage, including a tank rupture or explosion. The valve’s job is simple: it automatically opens when the pressure inside the tank exceeds a safe level, releasing hot water through a discharge pipe to relieve the pressur...