If you’ve noticed water pooling around your hot water heater, this may be because of the water heater pressure release valve. Wondering what this means, and what you should do about it? Find out now! Where Is the Water Heater Pressure Release Valve?The water heater pressure release valve is attached to the upper portion of your hot water tank. It typically consists of a valve that attaches to the side of the tank with a long copper tube or PVC tube that runs vertically downward, allowing water to drain out of the valve when necessary. If you are having trouble finding the valve on your unit, or cannot identify it, we recommend searching for the make and model of your water heater on the internet. The manufacturer’s schematics and manuals will help you locate the water heater pressure relief valve. What Is the Water Heater Pressure Release Valve & What Does It Do?https://youtu.be/IqvY6YGOqroThe water heater pressure release valve, also known as the “temperature and pressure” (T&P) valve is a valve that helps control the pressure and temperature of your water heater, preventing it from overheating, becoming too highly pressurized, and potentially exploding. The way this valve works is by sometimes letting a little bit of water drip out of the tank. When there is too much pressure inside the tank, the valve opens up to relieve this pressure and some water will drip out of it. This is normal, and indicates that the valve is functioning properly. However, if your water heater pressure release valve is constantly leaking a lot of water, the water contains debris, or your valve is making a lot of noise like whistling and screeching, this may indicate that it has failed, and is not operating properly. What Should I Do If My Water Heater Pressure Release Valve Is Leaking?If your water heater pressure release valve only leaks every once in a while, this is normal. It’s doing its job, and there’s nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not draining constantly. But if you notice the aforementioned issues like lots of drainage coming from the valve, water flooding, or whistling and screeching sounds from the valve, you should:
Get Help from The Pros At G&C Plumbing – Call TodayBefore you call G&C Plumbing for help, remember to shut off the power and water to your hot water heater. Then, call us today at 508-541-8783, and we’ll head your way first thing the next day. We’ll check your water heater pressure relief valve, determine the source of the issue, and let you know your best option for restoring the proper, safe functionality of your hot water heater. Call today to get the help you need in Franklin or Bellingham, MA today. Via https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/my-water-heater-pressure-release-valve-is-leaking-what-should-i-do
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Did you know that full S traps, or just “S traps” for short, are not allowed in homes in Massachusetts? It’s true! If you have one or more S traps in your plumbing, they need to be replaced with a more modern “P trap” or a similar plumbing solution. Why can’t S traps be used in Massachusetts, and what is an S trap anyway? We’re glad you asked! Let’s teach you everything you need to know about S traps, how they work, and why they need to be replaced. What Is an S Trap?An S trap is a type of “plumbing trap.” All plumbing traps are meant to do the same thing. They consist of some kind of bend in the pipe, which traps some liquid in the pipe. This liquid blocks gases, such as sewer gases, from entering your home. The gas cannot pass by the trap, since the liquid is blocking its path out of the drain, tap, or another fixture. An S trap consists of two “U” shaped traps. One of the “U” traps is installed normally, while another is flipped upside down and attached to it, creating the shape of an “S” on its side – hence the name! Why Are S Traps Not Allowed in Massachusetts Plumbing Codes?S traps may not seem dangerous, but they are! They are now banned by many plumbing codes, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and others. The reason for this is that the “S” shape of the trap, combined with the fact that it does not have a vent, means that water can be siphoned out of the trap. In other words, if enough water flows into the S trap, it will all get sucked out of the trap – which completely eliminates the fluid barrier that prevents sewer gas from escaping into your home. That can stink up your home – but more importantly, sewer gases can be dangerous to your health when breathed in, or can even explode in some cases. For these reasons, S traps are not allowed in Massachusetts. What Should I Do If I Have an S Trap Sink or Find an S Trap in My House?Don’t panic! You can contact a plumber in your area to assess the situation. There are a few different fixes you can look into. Your plumber may recommend replacing the S trap in your plumbing with a P trap, which is allowed by the Massachusetts code, and may also recommend the installation of an Air Admittance Valve (AAV), which will allow the pipe to vent properly. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to cut a hole into the wall and the ceiling to add the new P trap to your plumbing stack vent system. This depends on the specifics of your situation. Contact A Plumber Today If You Have A Full S TrapIf you have one or more S traps in your plumbing and aren’t sure what to do, contact an experienced plumber in Massachusetts right away, such as G&C Plumbing and Heating. We can provide you with the guidance you need, and ensure that the recommended fix meets all Massachusetts plumbing requirements. Contact us online or call now at 508-541-8783 to get started. Via https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/full-s-traps-to-the-oh-snap-it-s-prohibited-in-mass-why-s-traps-aren-t-allowed If your water heater is leaking, you may think that this is nothing more than an inconvenience, particularly if it’s in an unfinished basement area with a drain where the water can flow and exit your home. But you should be aware of the dangers of a leaking water heater. In some cases, leaks could indicate that the tank is about to fail catastrophically – and even explode, as seen in this MythBusters video. Learn more below. Most Hot Water Tank Leaks Do Not Indicate an Explosion RiskMost commonly, hot water tanks leak due to corroded pipes leading to the water tank, loose fittings and connections, or a deterioration in the tank itself. And if your water heater is leaking from the bottom, this may be a problem with the drain valve. If you notice a leak, you should definitely turn off the power and water right away, and contact a professional for repairs. Failing to do so could lead to further damage to your water heater, or moisture damage in the basement or area where your water heater is located. A Water Heater Leaking from the T&P Valve Could Fail CatastrophicallyThe dangers of a leaking water heater are mostly small, but if you notice that your T&P (Temperature & Pressure) valve is leaking, this could indicate a serious problem. The T&P valve helps release pressure and control the temperature inside your hot water heater. Typically, it won’t release any water until the pressure reaches 150 PSI and the temperature inside the tank reaches 210° F. This valve is usually attached to the upper section of the tank, and consists of a valve and a small-diameter pipe that drains downward. If you see water leaking from this valve, turn off the power and water immediately and contact a professional! Water leaking from the T&P valve indicates unsafe pressure and temperatures in the heater, and in some cases, the water tank could explode. Got A Leaky Water Heater? Get Help Right Away!Water heater explosions are rare, but they do happen – and any leak in your hot water system is a sign that something has gone wrong. So, don’t risk your home or your well-being. Get in touch with G&C Plumbing and Heating right away to get the help you need. Contact us online or call at 508-541-8783 to discuss your issue with a plumber immediately! Via https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/how-dangerous-is-a-leaking-water-heater-what-you-should-know |
About UsServicing Suffolk and Norfolk County, G&C Plumbing & Heating is ranked as one of the best plumber Massachusetts. Have a plumbing emergency? Need a plumbing quote? Contact us at (508) 541-8783 and, ask about our monthly specials so you don’t drain your wallet! Archives
July 2021
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