The T&P (temperature and pressure relief) valve is the most important safety device on any Bradford White tank — opens automatically at 210°F or 150 psi. Test annually, replace every 5 years preventively. $20-$30 universal part.
Annual test
- Locate T&P valve at top or side of tank
- Place bucket under discharge tube
- Flip lever fully open for 1-2 seconds
- Release — water flow should stop within seconds
- Dribbles after release = valve seat fouled. Try again. Still dripping after 3 attempts = replace.
Continuously dripping T&P
- Check incoming water pressure (above 80 psi = install pressure-reducing valve)
- Check thermal expansion tank (closed-system plumbing needs one)
- If neither, replace T&P
Replacement
Universal Watts 100XL or M&M T&P, 3/4" MIP, 150 psi 210°F. Bradford White uses standard universal T&P — no chassis-specific issues.
- Shut off power/gas, cold inlet
- Open hot faucet to relieve pressure
- Drain ~2 gallons
- Unscrew discharge tube from T&P
- Unscrew T&P from tank port with pipe wrench
- Wrap new T&P threads in Teflon tape
- Hand-thread + 1 turn
- Reattach discharge tube routed downward
- Restore water, refill, restore power/gas
- Test new valve
Bottom line
$25 part, test annually, replace every 5 years. Don't cap a dripping T&P. For full parts see parts hub.