Water Heater Relief Valve Extension Pipe

Another common issue issue identified by our inspectors.

Water heater relief valve extension pipe.

If the tpr valve is on top of the water heater install a short piece of cpvc from the valve to the side of the water heater then use a 90 degree fitting to make the turn towards the floor and add a second pipe to carry the discharge down to the catch pan. The temperature pressure relief valve on a water heater is connected to a drain line so that if the valve opens someone nearby is not shot in the face with hot water. I explain that it was routed to a drain to prevent a mess if it discharges but that you would want to see water on the floor if it was dripping or pressure had blown off so that you know. A trapped tpr dischage pipe is a common defect when a replacement water heater s tpr valve is lower than the original one and the installer connects to the exisitng discharge piping at the wall.

Connect the relief valve to the opening in the water heater with a pipe wrench or an adjustable wrench. Place one wrench on the tpr valve to prevent the valve from moving a pipe wrench works well. Most residential water heaters have a 3 4 threaded opening for the discharge pipe. The water heater s temperature pressure relief valve tprv extension pipe is routed upwards.

Cut the new pipe to length. Use the first wrench to hold the tpr in place when you use the other to unscrew the drain pipe. The discharge drain extension is typically taken to just a few inches above the floor or in some jurisdictions it may be directed outdoors a solution that i think is risky. The relief valve on your water heater has a pipe attached.

Cut lengths of cpvc pipe to match the ones you re replacing as long as they extend to within 3 inches of the floor. Place the other wrench on the drain tube. Measure the distance from the relief valve to the floor. The water heater s temperature pressure relief valve tprv discharge pipe is too short.

Tpr valves with missing data plates should be replaced. Guidelines concerning these valves and their discharge pipes reflect real hazards that every homeowner and home inspector should take seriously. The pipe itself needs to be either copper cpvc or galvanized water piping. The pipe must be no more than 6 from the floor to prevent a scalding injury should the valve open.

The pressure relief valve extension is plastic and has a couple of elbows leading it to a drain. By code you have to run the same size as the opening which means the pipe needs to be 3 4 in diameter. Apply ptfe tape or your preferred pipe dope to the threads of the pipe. 8 termination of the tpr drain pipe cannot be more than 6 inches or less than two pipe diameters above the floor ground or waster receptor.