what is this on the water heater???

[dbook]

Okay, I talked with the plumbing contractor today that installed the water heater, etc. about the copper line in question [photos on first post above] . It turns out it is an expansion shut off valve. Apparently there are cities around here that are requiring this expansion valve. As I was told, it is designed to relief the pressure in the in-coming water which should eliminate the air gaps we sometimes have when a plumbing repair is completed. An example would be when the lines have been opened, air enters the lines. We then turn on the water and get lots of air before we actually get any water. That’s why this devise has been installed!! As I was also informed, apparently someone with too much time on their hands and a truck load of expansion valves for sale, thought this would be a good idea if it was installed on every new home as a city requirement.

So there you have it…keep your eyes open it may be coming to a city or town in your area!

[klott]

Originally Posted by mlarson

What are you smok'in Ken.

It is hard to tell from the photos, but the timer on the bottom has nothing to do with that contraption on the top of the WH. I have seen that type of timer on sprinkler systems.

[klott]

O.K. Douglass, what about the timer down at the bottom, did you ask him about that?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by klott

O.K. Douglass, what about the timer down at the bottom, did you ask him about that?

recirculation loop timer.