What were they thinking

[Richard Roshak]

I think the picture tells the story.

[Vern Heiler]

They were thinking (used loosely) we got get rid of this condensate somewhere. Oh look, some unused plumbing that goes outside. Great and while we're there we'll put in a vent!

All could have been done by putting a funnel at the top of the vertical pipe next to the furnace and terminating both of the T&P and the condensate lines above the funnel. The way it is is wrong.

[Michael Thomas]

I think that may discharge to an "allowed location".... in Yellowstone Park.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Up3GK2yf63c/RlCZVqnAIkI/AAAAAAAAAEY/kPvodRGLoRo/s400/Old-Faithful-Print-C10087905.jpeg

[Randy Aldering]

To answer the question, either A) they were NOT thinking, or B) they were ignorant of what they were dealing with. There may be other options, such as not caring, or what not. But in my book, they all lead back to A) Not thinking.