A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for any home or business. It can be harrowing when the plumbing starts acting up. It may be a larger issue than it is when the culprit is the relief valve. Regarding plumbing, relief valves are a vital part of the system. These valves are designed to protect you and your property from potential damage caused by high-pressure water and steam in pipes. Faulty valves can be troubling. There are many types of relief valves in are each critical to your plumbing system, so it’s important to have a certified professional servicing your valves. And well-working relief valves can last for years!
For all of your plumbing concerns, contact the experts! Certified Plumbing of Brevard has served the Brevard community for over 33 years! We’d love to help you restore your plumbing system! Call us at 321-676-0812 to schedule a maintenance service.
What is a Relief Valve?
A relief valve is an important part of your plumbing system because it helps to relieve pressure build-up inside the pipes. In most cases, a plumbing relief valve is a spring-loaded device. Relief valves attach directly to a water heater or other appliance within the home’s plumbing system. The relief valve opens up when the pressure in the pipes exceeds the predetermined limit. This will allow water to flow through the valve and into a drain pipe or basin. While also preventing damage to your pipes or other components of your plumbing system. This prevents damage to the components of your plumbing system by providing a safety release for any sudden increases in pressure or temperature.
Signs that Your Relief Valve Needs Replacing
There are several types of relief valves and each have indication signs when they need replacing. These include:
- A dripping or leaking valve – If you notice water leaking from around the valve handle or near the unit’s base, this can indicate that it needs replacing. It could also mean that there is too much pressure in your system, which is causing it to leak.
- An audible hissing sound – If you hear a hissing noise coming from around your relief valve, this could mean that there is too much pressure in your system, causing it to open up. This means that water will escape through the valve.
It’s important to note that all these signs could also indicate other issues, such as clogged pipes or blocked drains, so make sure you get an experienced plumber out for an assessment before making any decisions about replacing parts of your plumbing system.
For repairs of any kind, Certified Plumbing is here to help restore your plumbing. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for any plumbing emergency!
Risks of Broken Plumbing Relief Valves
If your plumbing relief valve is broken or not working correctly, it won’t be able to protect your system against excessive pressure. This means that any sudden increase in temperature or pressure will not be released safely. This can lead to potential damage, such as pipe bursts or flooding. Your system could then be vulnerable if there is an unexpected power outage or surge, as these could easily cause too much strain on your pipes.
Plenty of other issues can arise from having a broken relief valve, such as corrosion due to stagnant water and debris build-up within the pipes. Not only does this make repairs costly, but it also poses a health risk. Bacteria in stagnant water could spread throughout your home’s water supply and make you sick.
5 Types of Relief Valves
Butterfly Valve
One popular type of relief valve is the butterfly valve. It is a type of flow control device consisting of a disc-shaped valve mounted on a rod. This rod is connected to an actuator which allows the user to open or close the valve simply by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Butterfly valves are used in many industries because they can be opened and closed quickly and easily provide a tight seal when closed. They also work well for applications that require low amounts of back pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve
Another types of relief valve is a pressure relief valve (PRV), is the most common type of relief valve. It is used as a safety device that prevents excessive pressure build-up inside a pipe or system. Pressure relief valves are usually set at a predetermined pressure level and will open automatically if this pressure level is exceeded. This prevents catastrophic failure due to overpressurization, which could cause serious property damage or even personal injury. PRVs should be regularly tested and inspected to ensure they are functioning properly.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard provides regular plumbing maintenance. Call us to schedule a service to ensure your valves are working correctly!
Gate Valve
A gate valve is a plumbing type used primarily to control the flow of liquids through pipes. It consists of two parts—a gate (or disk) mounted on top of a seat—that move up and down within the valve’s body to control how much fluid passes through it. Gate valves can be used for both on/off applications and for regulating flow. Gate valves should not be used for throttling since this can damage them over time due to wear on their components.
Globe Valve
A globe valve uses a plug-shaped disk to control the flow rate of water or other liquids within a plumbing system. The plug-shaped disk can be raised or lowered to adjust the rate at which liquid flows through the valve. This creates an adjustable seal which makes globe valves ideal for controlling and regulating fluid flow in pipes and other components. This type of relief valve offers superior control over the flow rate and better wear and tear resistance.
Ball Valve
A ball valve is another type of valve, which is a quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball to regulate flow through it. It has two ports, one for the inlet and one for the outlet of the fluid or gas being regulated. The valve is opened when the hole aligns with both ports, allowing flow to move freely. When it is closed, the hole is perpendicular to both ports, blocking all flow through the valve. Ball valves are known for their durability; they have excellent resistance to wear and tear and can last up to 10 years or more if maintained properly. They also have excellent pressure ratings and can handle temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for hot and cold water systems.
Maintain Each Type of Relief Valve
Knowing the main types of relief valves are helpful in maintaining the health of your plumbing system. And fortunately, keeping up with maintenance on your relief valve isn’t difficult. Be sure to inspect relief valves regularly for signs of wear and tear. Worn-out seals are a clear sign that your relief valves may need replacing. Additionally, you should always ensure enough space around the valve for air circulation—this helps reduce the chances of corrosion due to moisture build-up over time.
Contact a professional plumber to test the valve’s functionality. It is recommended they’re checked at least once a year –twice is ideal — to help guarantee proper functionality.
Contact Certified Plumbing of Brevard
Certified Plumbing of Brevard can inspect your types of relief valves quickly and properly. Don’t mess around with any plumbing concerns because they can quickly escalate! We have been trusted in Brevard county for over 33 years. Depend on us to get the job done right. Request a quote or contact us today at 321-676-0812
