No TPR Valve?

[Kenny Rigler]

Do you recommend immediate replacement of the water heater if it has no TPR valve?

[Bob Elliott]

It most likely has a place to add one.

Old as the hills though.

[arook]

No.

I refer them to a licensed plumbing professional. Sometimes a plumber can install a TPR on the hot water line.

Also, if the water heater is older than 12 years - like it probably is if there's no TPR valve, I recommend budgeting for replacement of the water heater in the near or immediate future as it's past the end of its expected lifetime.

[Kenny Rigler]

Okay, thanks guys!

[Chuck Evans]

Notify the owner and their agent that they have a life safety hazard that should be corrected immediately.

[iniquette]

Yes, it would be in my report to have it repaired/replaced immediately due to the possible life threating scenarios that could happen.

I would also notify the current occupants, they may not be aware of the possible safety issues related to this situation.

You may piss off a realtor or two doing this, but that is a small price to pay for doing the right thing.

[acox]

Show them the video available somewhere of the water heater with the TPR valve blocked - blasting 50 feet into the air...

[jbettencourt]

Originally Posted by acox

Show them the video available somewhere of the water heater with the TPR valve blocked - blasting 50 feet into the air...

Mythbusters water heater episode, you can watch it on you tube. Amazing explosions!