Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

What action should be taken if the safety relief valve is found to be leaking?

1. Adjust the valve regularly to keep it seated

2. Immediately shut down the boiler

3. Replace the valve with a new one

4. It should be monitored, no immediate action needed

The correct answer is: Replace the valve with a new one

When a safety relief valve is leaking, the most appropriate action to take is to replace the valve with a new one. Safety relief valves are crucial components of a boiler system; they are designed to release excess pressure to prevent potential hazards, such as explosions. A leaking valve indicates that it is not functioning properly and may compromise the safety and efficiency of the boiler system. When a valve leaks, it may not adequately relieve pressure, leading to dangerous conditions. Simply adjusting the valve or monitoring it does not resolve the underlying issue and could allow unsafe operating conditions to persist. Shutting down the boiler is a more drastic measure and may not always be necessary unless further inspection reveals more serious concerns. Thus, replacing the valve ensures that the system can operate safely and effectively, maintaining the integrity of the boiler's pressure control system.