A faulty water heater is a time bomb ticking away in your home. When pressure builds in a 30-gallon water heater due to a bad temperature-and-pressure relief valve, it can explode. This explosion could be equal to 2 pounds of dynamite. Experts note that one-third of all TPR valves are not operational due to mineral buildup, rust or corrosion. That's why yours should be tested often. So what is the "temperature-and-relief valve"? Where is it and how does one check it? It's that little lever on top of your water heater. If it won't budge with normal hand pressure, tap it with a hammer to loosen it. If it then leaks, open and close it several times to dislodge any debris that is keeping the valve from closing properly. If you can't stop the leak, replace it. Frequent tests prevent future leaks by keeping the valve clean. A clean valve in good working order is a must, unless, like a ham actor, you want to "bring down the house." And that's the On The House tip for today.