GE Water Heater Relief Valve Replacement Instructions

How to Repair a GE Water Heater Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Repairing a GE Water Heater Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve is not possible; however, replacing the GE relief valve only takes a few minutes. The cost of a new T&P relief valve as of 2011 is around $10 to $15 dollars. If your GE appliance is still within the warranty period, contact GE by the 1-800 phone numbers provided with your water heater, the repair or replacement parts will be free. Never plug or remove a T&PR valve. Always place your pipe wrench on the flat sides or the valve to prevent damaging the threads.

1.       Close the gas valve and/or shut off the electrical power to the water heater.

2.       Turn off the incoming water supply valve and open the hot water side of your tub faucet. This will lower the water pressure inside the tank.

3.       Drain the water heater by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve. Run the hose outside to a safe location. Use caution if the water in the tank is still hot. Open the drain valve and the Pressure relief valve to speed up the draining.

4.       Disconnect any piping connected to the T&PR valve.

5.       Unscrew the relief valve counterclockwise with a large pipe wrench.

6.       Clean the threads where the valve screws in the tank with a wire brush, and clean cloth.

7.       Wrap the threads of the new T&P valve six times a round with plumber’s Teflon pipe thread sealing tape.

8.       Screw the new pressure relief valve into your GE water heater by hand. Tighten the valve with the pipe wrench until its outlet is pointing down.

9.       Close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose.

10.   Turn the water back on and allow the tank to fill with water until all the hot water faucets in the home are flowing freely. Shut off all the faucets. Check for leaks around the new GE temperature and pressure relief valve. Turn the power and/or gas supply back on to the heater. For gas and propane units, relight the pilot and turn the unit’s control valve on. When the water heater has reached full temperature, and the burner shuts off, check for leaks again around the T&PR valve installation again, pressure changes inside the tank during the heating process can cause leaks not present before.