How to Get the Pressure Release on a Water Heater to Stop

Many water heater manufacturers recommend testing the pressure release valve once every six months. Testing is a matter of lifting the valve handle to ensure that water drains through the valve in the event pressure builds up inside the tank. Sometimes when testing the pressure release valve it is difficult to get the valve to stop draining water. This is largely due to sediment buildup around the inside of the lever mechanism. It is important that you do not force the handle when getting the pressure release on a water heater to stop. Simply moving the valve handle in a different direction is enough to shut it off and stop the water flow.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Hold the pressure release handle firmly in between your fingers. Pull down on the lever handle until it clicks into position. Do not allow the lever handle to slam down on its own as this can cause damage to the pressure relief valve.

   • 2

     Shake the lever handle from side to side gently, if the handle will not simply push down. The shaking, or jiggling, of the lever side to side often loosens any sediment preventing the handle from rotating downward.

   • 3

     Lift the handle slightly as you jiggle it from side to side to allow loose sediment to exit the mechanism. Gently lower the pressure release handle to the closed position with your fingers.