TPR Discharge pipe reduction

**Greg Jenkins** · 04-15-2008, 06:27 PM

I came across this water tank today. When I looked at the tpr valve I snapped a picture and moved on just thinking it was incorrect. Now when I look at the picture, I don't see a reduction fitting at the top of the tank. I have never seen a 1/2 inch fitting (in the body of the tank) for a tpr valve. I see a reduction in pipe size after the valve quite often but I have never seen a reduction between the tank and the valve. Am I missing something?

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**Gunnar Alquist** · 04-15-2008, 07:25 PM

I would agree with Fritz. Could that be where the sacrificial anode rod goes?

**Jerry Peck** · 04-15-2008, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

I would agree with Fritz. Could that be where the sacrificial anode rod goes?

That's what I'm thinking too, and that this particular water heater is like some I've side, side T&P *only*, no top opening for the T&P (most tanks with a side T&P opening have that as an "alternate" opening, with the preferred location being in the top of the tank, but, I've seen a couple of tanks in the past which *only had* the side opening for the T&P).

Of course, if that is for the anode rod, that tank is probably gone now any way.

**Greg Jenkins** · 04-16-2008, 05:24 AM

Good call. I now know to look elsewhere on the tank for another fitting. You learn something everyday in this business.

**Scott Patterson** · 04-16-2008, 06:07 AM

How old is that tank? I haven't seen that Harvest Gold color in ages!

**Nick Ostrowski** · 04-16-2008, 06:21 AM

Interesting call on the color Scott. I was thinking Gulden's Mustard.

**Jerry Peck** · 04-16-2008, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

How old is that tank? I haven't seen that Harvest Gold color in ages!

1960s to 1970s.

Back when you wanted your water heater to match the clothes washer and clothes dryer next to it ... until you replaced them with white appliances ...

**Dom D'Agostino** · 04-16-2008, 07:07 AM

It looks like a modern 3/4 inch valve in an older tank with a 1/2 inch opening.

Michael Larson · 04-16-2008, 09:45 AM

Temp probe may be too short to be effective as well. From the Watts site:

"Alternate" ONLY when the tappings are not provided:
Use standard or extra length extension thermostat which permits the end of the thermostat to extend into the top 6" of the tank.

For Heaters with Direct Top Tapping:
Always use an extension type thermostat T&P relief valve which permits the end of the thermostat to extend into the top 6" of the tank.