Does a water heater temperature valve need a discharge tube?
The Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve or TPR Valve on any heated appliance that contains water, such as a heating boiler, hot water tank, water heater, water cylinder, must have a drain line or discharge tube properly installed, routed, and made of proper materials.
What is a discharge tube on water heater?
Discharge tubes connect to the temperature and pressure relief valve to direct any water released away from the water heater and into a drain. Side mount runoff tubes, sometimes referred to as drain tubes, are recommend when the temperature and pressure relief valve is located on the side of the water heater.
Where should pressure relief valve drain to?
The discharge piping serving a pressure relief valve, temperature relief valve or combination valve shall: Discharge to the floor, to the pan serving the water heater or storage tank, to a waste receptor or to the outdoors. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage.
Is a discharge pipe required for a water heater?
Water heater manufacturers state that a TPR discharge pipe is required to direct hot water to the exterior or a suitable drain location. TPR discharge pipes are required to be made of copper, CPVC, or PEX pipe. PVC piping or plastic tubing is unsuitable for a discharge pipe due to the scalding water temperatures.
What is code for water heater discharge pipe?
6.1 Requirements for Discharge Pipe. The discharge piping serving a pressure relief valve, temperature relief valve or combination valve shall: Not be directly connected to the drainage system.
Can you terminate the TPR temperature pressure relief valve discharge pipe to the water heater pan?
(6) The terminal end of the pipe shall not be threaded. (7) Discharge from a relief valve into a water heater pan shall be prohibited.
Why is my water heater leaking from the overflow pipe?
A leaking overflow pipe can indicate that: The temperature setting on your water heater is too high. There is an issue inside your tank causing pressure to increase beyond the T&P valves threshold. The T&P valve is not “set” properly allowign the valve to remain partially open.
What is a discharge pipe?
Definitions of discharge pipe. a pipe through which fluids can be discharged. types: hydrant. a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the mains of waterworks. fire hydrant, fireplug, plug.
What size line should you run to the relief valve on residential water heater?
The discharge tube attached to the water heater pressure/temperature relief valve should be the same diameter as the opening of the valve itself. In our photo someone has fastened a 1/2″ pipe discharge tube onto a 3/4″ diameter relief valve.
Can you use PVC for water heater relief valve?
No. PVC pipe is not rated by the building code for use with hot water, so the installation shown above is wrong and unsafe. If the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve opens because the water heater is overheating, the water will be over 200º F.
Can PEX be used for water heater pressure relief valve?
Can you use PEX as discharge pipe at water heater temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve? Yes. PEX (cross-linked-polyethylene) is rated for water distribution by the International Residenital Code (IRC) at Table P2906.
How to replace a water heater relief valve?
Dribbling Or Weeping Relief Valve. If you notice a small amount of water seeping out from your T&P valve and collecting on the floor,this is most likely the result
Can a high water pressure damage my water heater?
Water heaters are particularly susceptible to breaking with high water pressure and the warming spring months. This is due to thermal expansion. A water heater that is too full due to high water pressure and with no expansion tank can break at the seam when the water inside gets hot. Furthermore, can hot water heater affect water pressure?
What does a water heater pressure relief valve do?
When water is heated in a water heater, thermal expansion causes pressure to build up inside the tank. When the temperature or pressure in the tank exceeds a certain level (often 210 degrees and 150 psi), the pressure relief valve opens and allows the water to drain from the tank.
What causes a leaking water heater?
Check the inlet and outlet. Where pipes connect to your water heater are often sources of leaks.