What is the primary purpose of pressure relief valves in plumbing?

The primary purpose of pressure relief valves in plumbing is to release excess pressure and prevent pipe damage. Pressure relief valves are safety devices that automatically open to allow fluid to escape when the pressure within a system exceeds a predefined limit. This is crucial in preventing potentially catastrophic failures such as pipe bursts, which can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs.

In a plumbing system, maintaining appropriate pressure levels is essential for optimal function and longevity. When pressure rises due to factors like thermal expansion, blockage, or malfunctioning pumps, the pressure relief valve activates to release the excessive pressure. By doing so, it protects not only the integrity of the pipes but also connected fixtures and appliances from undue stress and potential failure.

Other answers do not align with the primary function of pressure relief valves. For instance, increasing water pressure would lead to system failures rather than serving a protective function. Preventing water hammer pertains to managing sudden changes in water flow, which is typically addressed by different devices like air chambers or arrestors. Regulating water temperature is entirely unrelated to the role of pressure relief valves, as that is managed through other plumbing components such as thermostatic mixing valves.