TPR valve

[Andrew Cox]

Thanks for all the info - Jeff, I thought that was true, and it definitely connects with the other pressure valve. I'm going to write it up with your citation above and recommend it be changed.

This house is out in the boonies, with a deep well water supply.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jpope

T-fittings are not specifically addressed, so the intent is somewhat subject to interpretation.

P2803.6.1 states "The discharge from the relief valve shall be piped full size separately to the floor, to the outside of the building or to an indirect waste receptor located inside the building."

So I guess one would have to ask, what is the purpose of a T-fitting?

Everyone needs to keep in mind that code requirements vary by state and even in smaller units of government within states. Check with your local AHJ for what's acceptable in your area.

In Wisconsin plumbing is regulated by Comm 82. I have posted the relevant section below.
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From WI Comm 82


(d) Safety devices. Water heaters shall be equipped with safety

devices as specified in this paragraph.

1. All pressurized storage−type water heaters and unfired hot

water storage tanks shall be equipped with one or more combination

temperature and pressure relief valves. The temperature

steam rating of a combination temperature and pressure relief

valve or valves shall equal or exceed the energy input rating in

BTU per hour of the water heater. No shut off valve or other

restricting device may be installed between the water heater or

storage tank and the combination temperature and pressure relief

valve.

Note: The temperature steam rating of a combination temperature and pressure

relief valve is commonly referred to as the AGA temperature steam rating.

2. All pressurized non−storage type water heaters shall be

provided with a pressure relief valve installed at the hot water outlet

with no shut off valve between the heater and the relief valve.

3. Temperature and pressure relief valves shall be installed so

that the sensing element of the valve extends into the heater or tank

and monitors the temperature in the top 6”of the heater or tank.

4. A vacuum relief valve shall be installed in each water

heater and hot water storage tank which, when measured from the

bottom of the heater or tank, is located more than 20 feet above any

faucet or outlet served by the heater or tank.

5. Every relief valve which is designed to discharge water or

steam shall be connected to a discharge pipe.

a. The discharge pipe and fittings shall be made of a material

acceptable for water distribution piping in accordance with s.

Comm 84.30 (4) (e) 1.

b. The discharge pipe and fittings shall have a diameter not

less than the diameter of the relief valve outlet.

c. The discharge pipe may not be trapped.

d. No valve may be installed in the discharge pipe.

e. The discharge pipe shall be installed to drain by gravity

flow to a floor served by a floor drain or to a receptor in accordance

with s. Comm 82.33(. The outlet of the discharge pipe shall terminate

within 6”over the floor or receptor, but not less than a distance

equal to twice the diameter of the outlet pipe. The outlet of

the discharge pipe may not be threaded.

f. The discharge pipe for a water heater shall terminate within

the same room or enclosure within which the water heater or hot

water storage tank is located.
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The the watts pressure regulator device in the original post would seem to be an allowed device but I have yet to see one in use. I do see expansion tanks in use on some newer construction.

[Andrew Cox]

I went over this with my client... I explained that there were differing opinions about the "correctness" of the T fitting, etc. I basically told them that the repair would be very cheap, and could be done quickly. For less money than a nice dinner, they would have peace of mind. I basically told them that if there ever WAS a problem, and the WH (and house) blew up, it would cost them a heck of a lot more - and they readily agreed it needed to be fixed! Nothing like putting it in perspective....!





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb096&pp=ZN

[Bruce M. Graham]

Also check manufactures listings

[whandley]

Originally Posted by jpope

Not necessarily "to the floor," but no T-fittings are allowed in the discharge piping. . .

To an approved and or acceptable discharge area. Drain line off the valve may not be elevated above the valve, (Must gravity drain away from the valve).