Storage Water Heater (SS636:2018 Clause 6.5.2)
The Temperature / Pressure Relief Valve (TPRV) used in storage water heater should be tested at least once a year. This valve is a safety device is to prevent your hot water heater from exploding. Most are designed to activate if the water temperature in your tank exceeds 70 Degrees Celsius, or the pressure in your tank exceeds 7 bars (115 psi).
When your water heater is functioning properly, the TPRV valve and surrounding area should be dry.
Should you see water around the TPRV valve, your TPRV valve is fulfilling its role as a safety device. But it is important to find out what caused the TPRV valve to trigger. There can be several reasons for water discharge, but it is clearly an indication of an abnormal condition, and should be immediately addressed.
Some of the causes could be due to thermal expansion (when water is heated it expands), high system pressure, high temperature relief, temperature gauge set too high, or something else in the water heater causing the temperatures to exceed a safe limit.
Recommendation:
1. Test your TPRV once a year
2. Replace your TPRV once a year
Picture of TPRV
PUB Mandatory test required
Material toxicity test on Non-Metallic part (Plastic)
SS375 – Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water
Material toxicity test for Matellic part (Metal)
AS/NZS4020 – Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water
Performance test require
BS5154 – Dimensions and tolerances of body ends and pressure testing