Hot water tank pressure release valve

[Steve Nentwig]

We recently purchased a 1978, 17' Boler. When we lit the pilot and heated the hot water, the valve remained open and the water poured out steadily. We had to turn the pilot off and not use it. Can you purchase these valves separately, or do we need to replace the entire tank. If you can get the valves separately, how do you change the valve?

[Benny K]

That valve should simply unscrew from the tank with a pipe or crescent wrench.....when replacing follow the instructions and don`t use a pipe wrench.....use only a open end wrench or a crescent wrench on the valve.......a pipe wrench, because of the nature of the beast, can crush damage a new valve.....use T tape or sealing compound on the threads and don`t over thighten......Benny

[peterh]

Can you purchase these valves separately, or do we need to replace the entire tank.

Don't know about your trailer, but our pressure relief valve looks to be identical to the valves installed on regular water heaters, and you can get those at any good hardware store.

--Peter

[Gerry]

That valve should simply unscrew from the tank with a pipe or crescent wrench.....when replacing follow the instructions and don`t use a pipe wrench.....use only a open end wrench or a crescent wrench on the valve.......a pipe wrench, because of the nature of the beast, can crush damage a new valve.....use T tape or sealing compound on the threads and don`t over thighten......Benny

This Presure / Temperture relief (also known as P&T Valve) valve should have a tag on it that has it's settings. Try to get the same rateings as said at any hardware store and be sure to use a teflon tape or a soft setting type of thread dope to seal threads of valve.
This will make any future repairs easier as some thread dopes will harden like cement and will have to be heated with a torch to get out.
Gerry the canoebuilder / plumber for 22 years