Just thought I'd put it up here to remind people to do it. I did this on my hot water unit by accident (because I like to poke around), and the water temperature has gone up at least 10 degrees now that I have to mix cold water. IIRC we are supposed to do this at least once a year to prolong the life of the machine. It only takes a minute but could save you serious $$ in both the efficiency and early-retirement of your unit. I think it's a very good deal :)
[PSA] Use The Pressure Valve on Your Hot Water Unit at Least Once a Year to Improve Function
frugalftw on 23/05/2023 - 14:16
Last edited 23/05/2023 - 14:17
Last edited 23/05/2023 - 14:17
Comments
Don't think so. I envy you lol Look up the manual.
It is nice to be able to take an hour long hot shower.
I had passed out in showers like that before lol We had instant gas, I was in there for about half an hour at least, didn't have the window open. This was when I was a teenager. Never dared to do it again hahaha
My unit suggests every 6 months.
the water temperature has gone up at least 10 degrees now
I'm no plumber but how are these two related?
Agreed. The pressure valve is a safety feature so you don't have a pressurised tank explode like a steam bomb in your backyard.
Can't see how it would extend the lifespan of the HWS (outside of preventing it from exploding) either.Perhaps they get stuck open, thereby releasing heat, making the electrode work for longer and decreasing its lifespan?
ye not sure how that's related at all considering the pressure release value is not related to temp at all.
Maybe OP was tinkering with thermostatic mixing valve?
@frugalftw
Was it a brass lift up valve or a plastic rotating valve?
It was a lift up valve. Had to hold it for about a minute for it to stop hissing alltogether.
@frugalftw: A minute?
Surely it must've been stuck closed and the tank was only half full or something?
I have no idea tbh. It just happened, magic.
Replace the anti rust rod.
And empty the tank to get rid of crud.
But heat pump upgrade
Wow slow down there. Anti rust rod? My unit is a small one under the sink, haven't noticed anything collecting yet but I'll double check.
Replace the anti rust rod.
Do you mean the sacrificial anode?
Do you mean the rust rod?
La-de-da mr Frenchman
What do you call it?
A car hold.
The base model standard Storage Tank system as two helpful Valves.
Water in valve/tap which should be set as low as possible to still achieve decent shower pressure without waste, saves water and power.
The second is what I believe you operated, a lifter valve which is an overflow outlet for air until water flows, then stop..
It refills the water tank after daily evaporation which ensure maximum system efficiency.
Mmmm, that information is in the Destructions that you don't read with all appliances.
The same with Destructions that comes with cars on how to use Indicators.
Wow you must have been autocorrected like mad.
So I need to go look for the other valve now…
Last time I had a hot water unit installed, the tech actually demonstrated the pressure valve and told me to do it every 12 months. But I’ve not lived in any properties where I was given the instruction manuals. Did not have the book for my car either 😂
I have instant gas, do I have pressure valve?