TPR Termination

[dbreen]

Would anyone write up a tpr valve with 5 elbows going downwards before exiting the house.

[David P. Valley]

5 elbows????

You've got to post that pic. I need a laugh.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by dbreen

Would anyone write up a tpr valve with 5 elbows going downwards before exiting the house.

Yes.

I regularly find 5 elbows. ART tells me that our record here is 11 elbows over the course of about 33 feet for the drain pipe.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

As long as it's flowing downhill, I don't think the water would care. There is no requirement that limits the amount of elbows that I am aware of.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

As long as it's flowing downhill, I don't think the water would care. There is no requirement that limits the amount of elbows that I am aware of.

There is in many installation guides. For example, Rheem/Ruud/Richmond ca. 2001 limit the number of elbows to four. Too many elbows restrict the flow of water.

[homebild]

Florida Plumbing Code (IPC/IRC) does not limit the number of elbows on a T&P relief valve.

As long as it flows unobstructed downhill, there is no problem.

[William M. Corbett]

Alabama limits TPR drain lines to a total of 360 degrees

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by rray

...Too many elbows restrict the flow of water.

I'm not convinced, unless one of them points uphill.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I'm not convinced, unless one of them points uphill.

It's simple physics. An elbow is a 90° angle. So as water comes rushing along, it runs into a wall and has to make a 90° turn. Too many of those, and you definitely get the water flow being restricted. How much restriction can be measured if you have the right instruments. But just for fun, imagine that each 90° angle results in a mere 1/10 second delay. Ten of those would result in a one-second delay. That's very simplistic, but when it comes to water heater explosions, seconds count.

Reminds me of the bumper sticker I saw yesterday on my way home from my
20 WALK inspections:

San Diego Police
When seconds count
We're just minutes away.

[jkormos]

Originally Posted by dbreen

Would anyone write up a tpr valve with 5 elbows going downwards before exiting the house.

Yes

[rmccullough]

4 elbows max here in Colorado also. I believe that is part of the ICBO national plumbing codes also. I will look it up to make sure.

Doesn't say about elbows, but a great short general reference chart.

http://www.codecheck.com/images/CC5thEdSample.pdf

[Russel Ray]

Here's one of yesterday's inspections with 10 elbows. This is from one of San Diego's most respected builders/developers. However, they apparently have a special arrangement with the AHJs since 25% of their houses are perfect, while the other 75% have problems such as this. By the way, the water heater installation guide was with the water heater, and it stated a "maximum of four 90° elbows."

Elbows, elbows, elbows.

[rmccullough]

If in doubt I ALWAYS go by the SAFE and to the more Stringent application / installation guide, MFG says 4, then to me 4 max. And I know of NO MFG. that permit more than 4.

[rmccullough]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I'm not convinced, unless one of them points uphill.

I don't think I would wish to bet my life on that.

[rmccullough]

Here is a link to Tech Bulletins for Rheem and Ruud Water heaters.

http://waterheating.ruud.com/dealers...displayNode=61

Go look at tech bulletin 1220, T & P Relief Valves, now who do you think knows which is a SAFE way to install that equipment. I would think the MFG. and would hold to their standards.