Maintenance Guides / Plumbing & Water

Test water heater pressure relief valve

Difficulty: easyTime: 10 mins

Why it matters

The pressure relief valve is the only thing preventing a water heater from becoming an explosion hazard. They corrode and seize shut. A failed PRV on an overpressure heater can cause catastrophic structural damage.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Place a bucket under the discharge pipe.

  • 2

    Lift the lever briefly (1–2 seconds) — water should flow out.

  • 3

    Release the lever — flow should stop completely.

  • 4

    If no water comes out or it keeps dripping, replace the valve immediately.