Pipe burst protection pressure relief apparatus for sliding plate plumbing fixtures

According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly may be modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. In particular, mating components included in the seal assembly are modified to separate at the elevated pressure. The seal may also be by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. These features permit relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. In sliding plate type faucets where a seal is created by pressing of two plates together, pressure relief according to the present invention is obtained by permitting separation of the plates under elevated pressure. A compressible member allows the fixed plate to separate from the sliding plate.