pvc pipe from pressure relief - InspectionNews

Matt Fellman · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 09:39 PM

I came across a white pipe off of a tpr valve today that looked just like pvc. Of course, I thought it was wrong but for some reason I knelt down to read the pink writing on it. It said it was rated for use as a pipe off a tpr for any unit up to 100,000 btu's.

I snapped several pictures but, as most of you can relate to, trying to snap a picture of small pink writing on a small white pipe doesn't always work.

It wasn't stamped with any recognizable brand or type of pipe, just that it was okay for use as I noted above.

Has anyone run into this stuff? If so, what is it? I've just always assumed when it's bright white it's pvc.

Kevin Luce · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 09:46 PM

I can't remember if I seen them a Home Depot or Menards. Cheap and easy to install. They have one that is designed when the TPR valve is on the side of the water heater and one that is designed when the TPR is on top of the water heater.

Note sure what it is made of.

JB Thompson · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 09:59 PM

I've seen it but I don't know much about it. I figured since it is marked, it must be OK.

bruce

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 07:03 AM

In addition to just stating it was okay for that use, it should also have had some standard or approval numbers, such as ASTM, ANSI, ICC, "something" to indicate it had "third party" testing and approval by some authority.

If all it had was writing stating it was okay to use for a T&P discharge pipe, I would write it up for the plumber to make appropriate repairs or to provide documentation that this is suitable for this use.

Many times, if the plumber is not familiar with the material, instead of spending time to find the documentation, they will just replace it. If they have already had to supply this documentation to the AHJ, they will just whip out that documentation and say something to the effect of 'Jeez, I've already given this stuff to the plumbing inspector, how many more people do I have to show it to?' (Answer: Anyone who asks for it.

That's the perils of using non-standard material and trying to save 50 cents.)

Jake Guerrero · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008, 06:15 PM

Did it look like this?

Scott Patterson · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:03 AM

It could have been white PEX.

Dom D'Agostino · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 01:19 PM

That pipe Matt's describing sounds like the thin PVC or polyethylene TPR extension tubes sold at home centers.

I'll try to find a photo of one later.

Dom.

John Allingham · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 02:12 PM

That's pretty much all we see up here.
BTW, keep the kids away or they'll end up with hot tootsies.

Aaron Miller · #9 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 10:45 AM

Jake's picture is likely Harvel series SDR PVC that is rated at 140° F. and not an approved material. That installation also shows threaded fittings in the line which are not allowed.

John's picture has a number of problems with it not the east of which is that the drain line is undersized and likely not an approved material.

I don't see anything being used in my area other than CPVC, the most of which is both undersized and improperly installed.

Aaron

Jake Guerrero · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 12:14 PM

I had to go to the orange box this morning due to a leaky sink strainer basket.

While I was there I think I found what Matt was referring to. There is not any type of listing stamped or printed on the pipe itself.

It reads: Hand Tighten Only T&P Valves With 10,000 BTU Or Less Rating AllPass

I snapped a couple of pics with my phone.

John Allingham · #11 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

John's picture has a number of problems with it not the east of which is that the drain line is undersized and likely not an approved material.

Aaron

Beg to differ Aaron. In Ontario everyone rents their water heaters from the gas company. This is the way they all come from the utility.

Aaron Miller · #12 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 03:35 PM

John:

In Canada the gas utility may be the code authority and also override the TPR valve manufacturer's installation instructions. ASTM, UL et al. many not mean squat in the land of the midnight sun. That is not the case here in the land of the IRC.

Aaron

Jerry Peck · #13 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 06:27 PM

Jake,

What did it say off to the left in your first photo? "#1548.........."? Then something else I cannot make out.

Jake Guerrero · #14 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 02:37 PM

Jerry, that number doesn't show up in the original photo I have either.

It's a sticker with the home depot item number and bar code.

Aaron Miller · #15 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:07 PM

I found this on the Watts Canadian site. Maybe this is the creature?

Aaron

http://www.wattscanada.ca/pdf/ES-100DT.pdf

Jerry Peck · #16 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Guerrero

It's a sticker with the home depot item number and bar code.

Jake,

I thought it might have been some kind of standard number, but it wasn't.

Saying that it can be used for a water heater T&P relief discharge line is like saying one can use a gun to shoot oneself with - it's not recommended, but, sure, it *can* be done - just not a real good idea.

Not sure there is a law against shooting oneself either, I mean, who are they going to charge for breaking the law - the dead body? "Hey, you there, laying on the floor, you are being charged with discharging a fire arm in the vicinity of one's head, leading to and causing the death of oneself." Yeah, right.

At least, though, with the white pipe, the code says don't use it for that unless it has been tested, listed, and labeled for that use, and, if you do use it when it has not been tested, listed, and labeled for that use, *YOU* are at fault, and *YOU* ain't "dead". (Not "you" as in you personally, but as in "you" being whoever did it.)

Aaron Miller · #17 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Saying that it can be used for a water heater T&P relief discharge line is like saying one can use a gun to shoot oneself with - it's not recommended, but, sure, it *can* be done - just not a real good idea.

Not sure there is a law against shooting oneself either, I mean, who are they going to charge for breaking the law - the dead body? "Hey, you there, laying on the floor, you are being charged with discharging a fire arm in the vicinity of one's head, leading to and causing the death of oneself." Yeah, right.

Maybe we can get Diamond Tony to test this gun theory for us . . .

Aaron

Jerry Peck · #18 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

Maybe we can get Diamond Tony to test this gun theory for us . . .

Aaron

Aaron,

I think Billy is the one who has a good picture of the gun Tony should test ...

Billy Stephens · #19 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Aaron,

I think Billy is the one who has a good picture of the gun Tony should test ...

This one?

Jim Luttrall · #20 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:16 PM

I was in the big orange box today and saw the same discharge line, It did not look like regular pvc though... Watts was listed as the manufacturer but I did not see any standard listing number on the pipe.
I'll check on the Watts site.