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DISCLAIMER - IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ


This article is provided for information purposes only. You should only attempt any procedures explained here if you are competent to perform the task and have the appropriate tools and materials, including any relevant safety equipment.

Readers acting upon this article do so at their own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the author or publisher for any loss or damage incurred by following the article or failing to follow it.

If in doubt always consult a properly qualified tradesperson or other competent person.

WHAT IS A TEMPERATURE OR PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE?


A temperature or pressure relief valve is a safety device to bring down the temperature and/or pressure of water in a heating or hot water system when it exceeds a specific level.

Temperature or pressure relief valves are usually fitted into water systems where the temperature or pressure of the system or storage cylinder (such as an unvented hot water cylinder) could become dangerously high and cause it to burst.

HOW DOES A TEMPERATURE OR PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WORK?


Usually pressure relief valves consist of a valve body with an opening head held in place by a spring.

The valve head will open when the pressure in the valve body increases beyond the strength of the spring.

In the picture shown, the red valve head will lift under excessive pressure and allow water to flow through the valve body out of the system and into a discharge pipe.

The same principal applies in a temperature relief valve.

Instead of a pressure sensitive spring though, a temperature sensitive mechanism pushes open the valve when the system water temperature exceeds a pre-set limit.
pressure relief valve

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

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