Valveman
Platinum Member
The relief valve on water heaters is usually set for 150 PSI. Most well pumps cannot build 150 PSI and would not be able to utilize that relief valve. But some can build 120-140 PSI, which could blow up a 100 PSI rated water pressure tank. I use a 75 PSI relief valve with any 40/60 pressure switch. It is good to keep the tank from exploding. But the main reason is to dump some water to keep the pump cool in case the pressure switch does not shut the pump off at 60 like it should as in this case. Yes you can run a pump against a closed valve without hurting anything. But if no water is let out it for some time it will boil around the motor, destroying the pump/motor and possibly melting any plastic well casing.