Did you know that your water heater will function better and be safer if you do a little routine maintenance? Some water-heater experts recommend testing every six months. More frequent testing can reduce the chance of a leak caused by mineral and corrosion buildup. The temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve) opens to release pressure buildup in the water heater when the temperature or the pressure get dangerously high, preventing a possible explosion.
A buildup of mineral salt, rust, and corrosion can cause a TPR valve to freeze up and become nonoperational. To test the valve to ensure that it’s working properly, simply raise and lower the test lever several times so it lifts the brass stem that it’s fastened to. Hot water should rush out of the end of the drainpipe. If no water flows through the pipe or you get just a trickle, replace the valve.
However, if a leak results immediately after a test, simply operate the test lever several times to free lodged debris that may be preventing the valve from seating properly. If the valve is doing its job and hot water is dripping or spewing out of the TPR drain valve, turn down the temperature on the water-heater controller and/or turn down the water pressure.
Here are other things to pay attention to:
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The pipe leaving the relief valve should be the same diameter as the exhaust port of the valve — usually 3/4 inch. Moreover, the pipe should be made of a material that is not adversely affected by heat, such as copper. If the pipe is undersized or not heat-resistant, replace it with copper or have a plumber do it for you.
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The TPR drainpipe should travel in a slightly downhill direction from the valve to the point where it terminates. It should end outside the house at 6 to 24 inches above the ground. If the drainpipe moves uphill and then downhill, water could get trapped against the outlet of the valve and corrode it shut. If the drain line had a trap or a low spot, water could freeze. And even if the valve works, pressure would be captured and an explosion might occur. If the drainpipe isn’t properly configured, call in a plumber to correct it.
The noted costs estimates included below are rough and approximate ranges for basic work in typical conditions. The estimates should only be used for preliminary planning and gaining a basic and general idea of possible costs. The information in this post should not be used as substitutes for quotes from qualified trade specialists. TAHI Services strongly advises that our clients contact reputable professionals for an accurate assessment of project costs.
COMMON HOURLY RATES BY TRADE:
Professional Insured Handyman: $80-$100/Hour
Professional Carpenter/Repair Specialist: $80-$100/Hour
Professional Licensed Electrician: $125-$150/Hour
Professional Licensed HVAC Specialist: $85-$110/Hour
Professional/Licensed Plumbing Specialist: $150-$170/Hour
Professional Sprinkler/Irrigation/Gutter Specialist: $70-$100/Hour
Professional Appliance Repair Specialist: $85-$120/Hour
Professional Pool/Spa Specialist: $90-$125/Hour
COMMON RATES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS – EVALUATION/CONSULTATION:
Structural Engineer Hired to Assess Foundation (No Stamped Documents): $400-$500
Structural Engineer Hired to Assess Foundation (With Stamped Documents): $600-$800
Foundation Repair Estimator Assessment: Free Estimate-$100
Assessment and Consultation with Landscaping/Irrigation Specialist: $150-$250
Professional Roofing Assessments: Free Estimates-$150
Assess Electrical System/Areas of Concern: Free Estimate-$150
HVAC Pressure/System Testing: $85-$200
Assess Plumbing System/Areas of Concern: Free Estimate-$170
Plumbing Camera/Static Testing of Sewer Lines (Plumber): $350-$475
Pool/Spa Assessment/Report/Estimates: $150-$375
REPAIR COSTS FOR COMMON STRUCTURAL/MATERIAL ISSUES:
-Replace Exterior Siding Trim: Set/Up and 1st 10′ of Trim = $275 (Add $25 for Each Additional 10′ of Trim Replaced)
-Single Repair of Siding/Trim Damage (Less Than 5 Square Feet): $350
-Caulking/Sealing/Minor Repairs Throughout Exterior Siding: $1200-$2500 (Depending on Condition and Type of Material)
-Paint Exterior of Home: $1.80-$2.50 Per Finished Square Foot
-Paint Interior of Home: $2.25-$3.00 Per Finished Square Foot
-Replace Failed Window Seals: Average Size/Shape Window = $225-$280 Per Pane
-Power Wash and Re-Stain/Seal a Deck: $2.25-$3.50/Square Foot
-Replace Damaged Sheet Rock Wall (1 Area of Damage 12” Diameter or Less): $250-$345
REPAIR COSTS FOR COMMON ROOFING/MATERIAL ISSUES:
-Remove Roofing Material and Replace Composition Shingles: $3.50-$5.00/Square Foot
-Caulking/Sealing Updates at Roof Exits and Minor Spot Repairs/Updates: $300-$500
-Flashing Updates at Isolated Areas (Less Than 10′): $500-$700
-Full Replacement of Loose Screws (Metal Roof – Standard Size Home): $2300-$2800
-Replacement of Modified Roll Roofing (Flat Roof): $600-$800/ Per 100 Square Feet
ADDITIONAL INFO – KAU (AUSTIN CHALK)
ADDITIONAL INFO – KNT (NAVARRO AND TAYLOR GROUP)