Warning: Had a close call with a pressure relief valve on a job in Spokane last week

We were doing the final walkthrough on a new install for a commercial water heater system. The foreman from the other crew kept saying the valve was 'just a little weepy' and we should button it up. I insisted on a full pressure test first, and when we got it up to spec, the whole valve body cracked along a casting flaw. It wasn't weeping, it was about to let go. If we'd just sealed it and left, that thing would have blown in a day. It was a brand name part too, straight from the supplier. Made me wonder how many guys would have just slapped some pipe dope on it and called it good. How often do you all actually find a bad valve right out of the box?

2 comments

2 Comments

taylor_fox2d ago

That kind of close call is exactly why the pressure test is non-negotiable. A weep can trick you into thinking it just needs a tighter seal, when the real problem is a junk part. Found a bad gas valve straight from the factory last month, leak tested fine at low pressure but failed completely at full operating spec. It happens more than people want to admit, especially with cheaper off-brand stuff. Skipping the full test is just gambling with everyone's safety later on. Good call for sticking to the procedure.

jamiebailey2d ago

Check the batch numbers when you find a bad one. I've seen whole lots from good brands have the same flaw. Makes you wonder about their quality control lately.