Best Relief Valves of 2026
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Relief valves are essential safety devices used in various industries to protect equipment and systems from overpressure. These valves are designed to automatically release excess pressure, preventing potential damage or catastrophic failures. They are commonly found in applications such as steam boilers, pressure vessels, pipelines, and hydraulic systems. With their reliable and accurate pressure control capabilities, relief valves ensure the safety and longevity of equipment while maintaining optimal performance. Available in different sizes, types, and materials, these valves are a vital component in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of industrial processes.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Relief Valves
Camco Automatic Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve with Extension Probe and Lever (10473)
The Camco Relief Valve (10473) is a must-have for RV and home water heaters. It provides protection by preventing excess temperature and water pressure, ensuring the safety of your water heater. With its ¾-inch NPT connection, you can easily hook it up to your RV or home water heater. The extension probe, which is epoxy-coated to prevent corrosion buildup, has a 4-inch length that allows for accurate temperature readings. The all brass body with the stainless steel pressure spring ensures durability and longevity. The factory setting of 150 PSI/210° Fahrenheit provides peace of mind knowing that your water heater is operating within safe limits. Certified by CSA to ANSI Z21.22, this relief valve is a reliable choice for protecting your water heater.
HYDRO MASTER 3/4" 30 PSI Safety Relief Valve
The HYDRO MASTER Relief Valve features a 3/4-inch male threaded inlet that easily connects to standard female threaded fittings, making installation straightforward. Its solid brass body and stainless steel spring provide excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. This valve is specifically designed to protect your system by releasing pressure when it gets too high, helping to prevent damage. The universal 3/4-inch size makes it compatible with most residential water systems in the U.S., so you can trust it to fit your setup without hassle.
Watts 0342691 30 PSI Relief Valve
The Watts Pressure Relief Valve is designed to ensure safety and efficiency in your plumbing system. With a 3/4 inch inlet and outlet, it fits standard pipe sizes, making installation straightforward. Operating at a pressure of 30 PSI, this valve effectively prevents excessive pressure buildup, protecting your system from potential damage. It also has a high BTU capacity of 510,000, suitable for various heating applications. By using this valve, you can have peace of mind knowing that your system is safeguarded against pressure fluctuations.
Merrill PRVNL75100 3/4" Lead-Free Brass Relief Valve
The Merrill 3/4" Relief Valve is designed to protect your plumbing system by safely releasing excess pressure, helping you avoid damage or leaks. Made from lead-free brass with durable stainless steel springs, it ensures long-lasting safety and complies with IAMPO standards, so you know it’s reliable. This valve fits standard 3/4" connections and is rated for 100 PSI, making it ideal for cold water systems like well tanks and pumps. Keep in mind, it’s not meant for water heaters, so it’s best used to protect your cold water setups efficiently and safely.
VAV 3/4" NPT Lead-Free Copper Pressure Relief Valve
The VAV Pressure Relief Valve features 3/4 inch NPT female threading, making it easy to fit most household water heaters under 40 gallons, including electric, gas, and tankless models. Its lead-free copper body ensures safe use with drinking water, meeting strict NSF-61 standards. You’ll appreciate the stainless steel spring inside, which offers long-lasting, corrosion-resistant performance, so the valve stays reliable over time. Designed for vertical installation, it’s important to mount it correctly for optimal safety and operation. Keep in mind, installation hardware isn’t included, so hiring a professional is recommended for a secure setup.
ALL Tool Depot 1/4" NPT 150 PSI Air Compressor Relief Valve
The ALL Tool Depot Relief Valve is designed with a 1/4" male NPT threaded inlet, making it easy to install on your air compressor. Its brass body and stainless steel spring offer strong resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. The valve provides precise pressure relief, accurate within a tight range, so you can rely on consistent safety. Additionally, it includes a silicon O-ring that helps prevent leaks, keeping your system secure. This valve can handle temperatures up to 250°F, making it suitable for high-heat environments. Overall, this valve helps protect your air compressor by safely releasing excess pressure.
ALL Tool Depot 1/4" NPT 200 PSI Relief Valve
The ALL Tool Depot Relief Valve is designed with a 1/4" male NPT threaded inlet, making it easy to connect to your air compressor system securely. Its brass body and stainless steel spring offer excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring the valve will last longer and perform reliably. The pressure relief setting is precise, so you can trust it to activate at the right pressure to protect your equipment. Plus, the silicon O-ring helps prevent leaks, giving you peace of mind that your system stays safe and efficient. This valve can handle temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for high-temperature environments.
Watts Sea 66100 100XL-4 Relief Valve
The Watts Relief Valve 100XL-4 is a reliable safety device designed to protect your plumbing system by relieving excess pressure. Made in the United States, this valve offers quality assurance and durability. It is built to handle pressure up to 150 psi, which helps keep your pipes and appliances safe from damage due to high pressure. With a 3/4-inch size, it fits easily into many standard setups, making installation straightforward and convenient for you. This valve is ideal for anyone looking to maintain a safe and efficient water system at home or in commercial settings.
Apollo 10-400 Series Bronze Safety Relief Valve
The Apollo Bronze Relief Valve is designed to keep your water heating system safe by automatically releasing pressure when it exceeds 30 psi, protecting your equipment from damage. Its 3/4" female NPT threaded inlet makes installation straightforward by easily connecting to standard male fittings. Made with a durable bronze body and nozzle, along with a stainless steel spring, this valve resists corrosion, which means it will last longer even in wet environments. Plus, it can handle temperatures up to 250°F, making it suitable for high-temperature water heating systems. This product offers reliable safety and convenience for your home or business.
Watts Regulator Boiler Relief Valve
The Watts Regulator Boiler Relief Valve is a high-quality relief valve designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of your boiler system. With its 3/4" size and 30Psi pressure rating, this valve is suitable for a wide range of applications. The Watts Relief Valve is a product from the trusted brand Watts Regulator, known for their reliable and durable plumbing products. This valve is a crucial component in any boiler system, as it helps to prevent pressure build-up and potential damage to the system. Its compact size allows for easy installation and maintenance. Invest in the Watts Relief Valve to protect your boiler and enjoy peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a relief valve?
Relief valves are designed to control pressure in fluid or compressed air systems. They open in proportion to the increase in system pressure, preventing the system from becoming overpressurized.
2. What is the difference between a safety valve and a relief valve?
A safety valve stops system operation until pressure reaches a safe level, while a relief valve controls pressure increases without stopping the system. Relief valves will only stop the system if pressure exceeds the set pressure limit.
3. What are the three common types of relief valves?
The three common types of relief valves are conventional spring-loaded, balanced spring-loaded, and pilot-operated valves.
4. Do you really need a pressure relief valve?
Yes, a pressure relief valve is necessary to protect pumps and piping from blockages and system failures. Without a relief valve, pressure can exceed the system's capacity and cause severe damage.
5. Where should a relief valve be installed?
A relief valve should be installed vertically with the drain holes open or piped to a suitable location. It is important to ensure proper support for all piping. Installing a safety valve in any other position may affect performance, lifespan, and compliance with code.
6. What are the two types of relief valves?
There are two basic types of relief valves commonly found in hydraulic systems: direct-acting and pilot-operated. These valves provide a path for fluid to flow back to the tank, protecting components from excessive system pressure.
During our relief valve research, we found 24 relief valve products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,638 customer reviews through our big data system to write the relief valves list. We found that most customers choose relief valves with an average price of $20.54.
The relief valves are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of relief valves, including Camco, HYDRO MASTER, Watts, Merrill, VAV. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.
Relief Valves Comparison Table
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| Brand | Camco | HYDRO MASTER | Watts | Merrill | VAV | ALL Tool Depot | ALL Tool Depot | Watts | APOLLO | Watts |
| Material | Brass, Stainless Steel, Epoxy | Brass | Bronze | No Lead Brass | Copper, Stainless Steel | Brass | Brass | Bronze | Bronze | Bronze |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 11.15 x 3.75 x 1.75 inches | 3.2 x 1.6 x 1.8 inches | 3 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches | 1.45 x 1.05 x 2.47 inches | 7 x 6 x 5 inches | 0.5 x 2 x 0.5 inches | 0.5 x 2 x 0.5 inches | 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 0.15 x 0.15 x 0.15 inches | 2.3 x 2 x 3.1 inches |
| Exterior Finish | Gold | Brass, Stainless Steel | Bronze | Stainless Steel | Copper,Stainless Steel | Brass, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel,Zinc | Bronze | Stainless Steel | Bronze |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 150 Pound per Square Inch | 30 Pound per Square Inch | 30 Pound per Square Inch | 100 Pound per Square Inch | 150 Pound per Square Inch | 150 Pound per Square Inch | 200 Pound per Square Inch | 150 Pound per Square Inch | 30 Pound per Square Inch | 20 Pound per Square Inch |
| Number of Ports | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 30 |
| Inlet Connection Type | National Pipe Tapered | National Pipe Tapered | Female Threaded | National Pipe Tapered | 3/4 NPT | MNPT | National Pipe Tapered | - | threaded | National Pipe Tapered |
| Outlet Connection Type | MNPT | NPT Thread | FNPT | MNPT | 3/4NPT | MNPT | MNPT | FNPT | FNPT | - |
| Outlet Connection Size | 0.75 Inches | 3/4 Inches | 0.75 Inches | - | 0.75 Inches | 0.25 Inches | 0.25 Inches | 0.75 Inches | 0.75 Inches | 0.75 Inches |
| Inlet Connection Size | - | 3/4 Inches | 0.75 Inches | - | 0.75 Inches | 0.25 Inches | - | - | 0.75 Inches | 0.75 Inches |
| Specification Met | Furnished with test lever | - | - | NSF/ANSI-61, NSF/ANSI-372 | - | - | asme | oem | - | ASME Section IV at 30 psi set point |
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