I get where you’re coming from, but I’m a little more cautious with T&P valves. I had one stick shut on an old heater, and it nearly caused a real mess—luckily caught it in time. Testing every six months is smart, but I still swap mine out every 4-5 years, just for peace of mind. The cost of a new valve is nothing compared to the damage from a failed one. Maybe it’s overkill, but after that scare, I’d rather not risk it.
I get where you’re coming from, especially after a close call like that. But is swapping out the T&P valve every 4-5 years really necessary if it’s still working and passes the test? I mean,
—sure, but doesn’t tossing a perfectly good valve add up to more waste over time? I’m always torn between playing it safe and not replacing stuff just for the sake of it.“The cost of a new valve is nothing compared to the damage from a failed one.”
I test mine twice a year, and so far, so good, but now you’ve got me second-guessing... Is there any way to know if a valve’s about to fail, or is it just luck of the draw? I’d rather avoid a flood, but I also hate throwing things out if they’re still doing their job. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I can’t help wondering how much of this is peace of mind vs. actual risk.
I hear you on the waste factor. Swapping out a T&P valve every few years feels like overkill if it’s still passing tests.
Thing is, most failures I’ve seen weren’t sudden—there were signs first: slow leaks, corrosion, or the valve sticking during testing. If yours is bone dry and snaps back after a test, odds are it’s fine. Personally, I only replace them if they show wear or don’t close right. Peace of mind’s great, but unnecessary replacements just add up in cost and landfill space.“I test mine twice a year, and so far, so good, but now you’ve got me second-guessing...”