How to Install a Safety Valve

What is the role of the safety valve?

The safety valve is a spare part of the boiler that prevents overpressure in the piping.
There are two types of valves in the boiler:

• The 3-bar safety valve: this is the heating safety valve that releases pressure above 3 bars.
• The 7-bar safety valve: for the boiler's water distribution circuit, a sanitary safety valve is necessary. It prevents excessive pressure from exiting the faucet.

In case of leakage from the safety valve, it is possible to replace only the valve head or the entire unit depending on the models.

The tools for changing the 3-bar valve

To replace the safety valve , you will obviously need a new spare part and various tools:

• A pair of work gloves
• A cloth for wiping
• A screwdriver to work like a pro
• A flat pliers

How to change a safety valve?

SAM:
When too much pressure passes through the boiler’s piping, the valve releases this excess pressure by expelling water.
There are two types of valves: the heating one, usually with a red cap, and the sanitary one with a cap often blue.

THIERRY:
The first allows a maximum pressure of 3 bars in the piping, while the second, dedicated to hot sanitary water, can generally handle up to 7 bars.
The first thing to do is to secure your installation. So what should we do, Polo?

SAM:
Turn off the water and drain the affected circuit!
If it’s for sanitary use, you need to close the water supply to the boiler or the main water supply.
If it’s for heating, you should isolate the boiler and drain it. Or drain the entire installation.

THIERRY:
Exactly! I will help you remove the facade of the boiler since we’ve already handled it.

SAM:
Ah, I see the valve; it’s leaking!

THIERRY:
In your opinion, what are the two possibilities for this leak?

SAM:
There is too much pressure in the sanitary network...
If the pressure is above 5 bars, check the setting of your pressure reducer or install one.
...or it’s simply defective?

THIERRY:
That’s correct; it’s quite possible that it’s simply defective.

SAM:
I will now proceed to remove the safety valve.
And now I will install the new one.

THIERRY:
Don’t forget to change the gasket as well.
Perfect! A true professional job!

THIERRY:
When you buy a valve, make sure it can accept the same pressure as the original.
Additionally, check that the fittings are compatible as well.