relief valve

noun

1. a device that, when actuated by static pressure above a predetermined level, opens in proportion to the excess above this level and reduces the pressure to it. Compare safety valve ( def 1 ).

Example Sentences

Last month, a pressure relief valve on a surge tank stuck open, causing hundreds of thousands of gallons of wastewater to spill onto the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Wonderful is also touting plans for a six-lane highway, the Central Valley Green Pass, that would act as a relief valve for Highway 99.

From Los Angeles Times

"Combined storm overflows are a pressure relief valve for the wastewater network," NI Water's Director of Engineering and Sustainability Gary Curran explained.

From BBC

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan.

From New York Times

The river was so swollen with floodwaters in May that officials opened a rarely used relief valve, routing some of the water into the California Aqueduct to be used in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times