What is one sign that indicates the safety valve may be faulty?

One of the crucial indicators of a potentially faulty safety valve is a continuous flow of pilot gas. In a properly functioning safety valve system, gas should only flow to the pilot flame when it is ignited. If the pilot flame is not present, the safety valve should automatically shut off the gas supply to prevent any hazardous build-up of unburned gas. Therefore, a continuous flow of gas despite the pilot being unlit suggests that the safety valve is not performing its critical function of shutting off gas when necessary. This condition can lead to dangerous scenarios, such as gas accumulation, which poses a fire or explosion risk.

Recognizing this sign allows technicians to address the issue promptly, ensuring safe operation of the equipment. Other signs like a gas leak from the burner, an unlit pilot flame, or fluctuating gas pressure can indicate different problems, but a continuous pilot gas flow is a specific warning signal that relates directly to the malfunction of the safety valve itself.