Installed new T&P.

I tightened by hand as much as possible.

And then went about 2 3/4" turn with the wrench, I feared going more in order to get it situated right.

No leaks that I see, I used tape and dope and the connction. Judging by my tape, I would guess there is a thread or two still exposed.

Should I try to go another revolution?
If so, do I have to drain the tank down to do it?



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What size wrench ? 8" cresent ? 12" pipe wrench ? I wouldn't drain it, use a bigger wrench and turn it so that the discharge is down.

12" channel locks. 2 3/4 past hand tight is not sufficient ?



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sufficient is a relative term. if it does not leak you are fine.
remember, some day someone will have to replace that valve if it discharges again. that someone may be you. you don't want it so tight that you need a 2 foot pipe wrench to remove it.

I snugged it up with a 14" pipe wrench... it turned with ease. Perhaps I was too gentle with the channel locks.... I could even go another full turn I suspect.

That doesn't cause leakers does it? Tightening and then putting it in service and then tightening it again under pressure?



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no it does not bother it...

hand tight + 2 'power turns'

perfect

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

I normally consider it a personal failure if my joints don't require a minimum of a 14" pipe wrench to loosen.

? even the 1/4" ones ?

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Touche. I wasn't referring to compression fittings however.

I used about 4 wraps of blue monster tape with a bit of rectoseal tplus2 dope on top.... figured it would be easier to make up that way.

I probably shouldnt experiment on the critical joints, because now I got to thinking, is the dope on top of tape in this application a bad idea?


also

Is there anything you have to do to a T&P valve other than screw it in? Does the probe need adjust or anything?

No just screw it in. There are different thicknesses of Teflon tape but 4 wraps should be sufficient for the thin tape as well. Putting pipe dope is extra insurance. If the threds are good, 2 turns after hand tight should be sufficient, it just depends of the feel of the 14" wrench.

KCRoto (MO),



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

how likely would it be to damage the threads on the water heater or otherwise make them unusuable by tightening a T&P?

And if you did, it would mean total replacement of the heater correct?



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On most tanks, you would never be able to damage the steel with the brass T+P threads unless it has been weakened. If you did manage it, the tank needs replaced anyway.