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Thread: TPR extension
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11-25-2008, 07:50 PM #1
TPR extension
I was hoping someone could help me with a TPR extension question. Unfortunately I dont have a pic of it because the pipe was probably 10 feet long or more and it had several elbows in it.
The situation was, the extension came out of the tank and then down via a few 90 elbows, then ran along a wall to the other side of the room. It then had a couple more elbows before eventually discahrging into a sump pump crock. I was unable to see the end of the pipe as the lid was bolted to the concrete floor.
I was under the impression that you had to see the end of the extension and that it should not have any elbows in it. And is it even allowed to empty into a sump pump crock?
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11-25-2008, 07:57 PM #2
Re: TPR extension
Brian,
The requirements for the T&P relief valve discharge line have changed during the past couple of code cycles.
The 'old way' - it was this way for many years - was that the T&P discharge line had to:
- drain dry (be slope downhill)
- have not more than 4 elbows in it
- not be longer than 30 feet
- have the end 6" above grade
- discharge to the outdoors or to a floor drain (wording to that affect)
The 'new way' is that the T&P discharge line must end in the same room or space as the water heater is in, and it gets more complicated from there.
I prefer the 'old way', but the code addresses them through the 'new way'.
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11-25-2008, 10:18 PM #3
Re: TPR extension
I like the new way. had one the other day that the plumber stuck the pipe in the floor that went into an inaccessible sub-area.
The new way has the pipe in view. so if something is wrong you know before its to late.
Best
Ron
Last edited by Ron Bibler; 11-26-2008 at 12:37 AM.
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11-25-2008, 11:34 PM #4
Re: TPR extension
Hmmm is all I have to say to that as well. And what might have been wrong with the old way for it to be changed. Hmmmmm.
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11-26-2008, 07:07 AM #5
Re: TPR extension
Old way: Water drains to exterior, draining water causes no problems, the home owner knows about it because the draining water is hot water and they now have less hot water, so, the call the plumber to find out why they have less hot water.
New way: Water drains to interior, flooding house and causing damage. If homeowner does see water draining from the line they ... no, they do not call the plumber, we all see what they do, they cap that sucker off so it does not leak.
The theory for changing it was that the homeowner would see the water and call the plumber, yeah, right, the homeowner see the water and they know what to do, they stop the leak.
I like the old way.
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11-26-2008, 08:01 AM #6
Re: TPR extension
OK so is the answer to my questions "is it ok to drain to a sump pump crock? and is it ok to not be able to see the end because it was in a sealed crock?" Im thinking no on both, but not sure what to advise the client on this one.
Keep in mind that this will be my first actual solo paid inspection so I wanna make sure I get this one right.
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11-26-2008, 08:52 AM #7
Re: TPR extension
Congradulation on your first fee paid Inspection, with this ecomony dont give up your day job, as sales are way down. I had to chase Hurricanes with fema to make a little additional money because of slow home sales.good luck
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11-26-2008, 09:27 AM #8
Re: TPR extension
Correct. It does not met either the old way or the new way, and, to my knowledge, it was never allowed that way. At the very least it would have required an air gap above the sump, minimum 6" and maximum 6" (yeah, * 6 inches*).
Keep in mind that this will be my first actual solo paid inspection so I wanna make sure I get this one right.
And, yes, you will be correct that *it should not have been done that way*.
Which is different from *you will not get any flak over stating that*.
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11-26-2008, 11:28 AM #9
Re: TPR extension
OK thanks jerry, I appreciate it. I didnt think it was correct so I will just advise him as such.
Fortunately, for me, I am able to ride out the slow times for a bit longer than someone that depends on more inspections. I am a stay at home dad so I was not in the work force for 2 years prior to HI. So now, any income is good income for me. At some point, I will want to make this a full time thing but for now, its ok being part time.
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11-26-2008, 12:02 PM #10
Re: TPR extension
Brian if you don't have a killer web-stie going now. Get one and start working on first in line in you are. pic you city name as the domain name
center. A good web-stie is so key to get inspection from buyer and home owners.
Best
Ron
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11-26-2008, 02:50 PM #11
Re: TPR extension
Jerry,
I have a question for you. What code requires the TPR drain to discharge in the same room? The 2006 IRC still says it can terminate outside (P2803.6.1) Is there a plumbing code that makes the "room requirement"? Thanks! Everyone have a nice holiday!
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11-26-2008, 04:01 PM #12
Re: TPR extension
For the left coast guys and gals:
CPC-2007- 608.5 Relief valves located inside a building shall be provided with a drain, not smaller than the relief valve outlet, of galvanized steel, hard-drawn copper piping and fittings, CPVC, or listed relief valve drain tube with fittings that will not reduce the internal bore of the pipe or tubing (straight lengths as opposed to coils) and shall extend from the valve to The outside of the building, with the end of the pipe not more than two (2) feet (610mm) nor less than six (6) inches (152mm) above the ground or the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing downward. Such drains may terminate at other approved locations. Relief valve drains shall not terminate in a building’s crawl space. No part of such drain pipe shall be trapped or subject to freezing. The terminal end of the drain pipe shall not be threaded.
(I underlined the new section per the 2007 California Plumbing Code.)
Jerry McCarthy
Building Code/ Construction Consultant
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11-26-2008, 07:37 PM #13
Re: TPR extension
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11-26-2008, 07:58 PM #14
Re: TPR extension
Brian,
Congratulations on your first inspection. I had my first paid inspection in September. I was glad it was a simple inspection, ranch on a slab with electric heat and hot water. Apparently I did a good job, buyers wanted some of my cards to give to their friends. Oh,and the best part was the check didn't bounce.
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11-27-2008, 07:57 AM #15
Re: TPR extension
Jerry,
What does 2803.1.5 mean when it says discharge to the outdoors? The air gap in the room and the drain continues outside? What do you do when the water heater is in the attic like much of Texas?
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11-27-2008, 10:10 AM #16
Re: TPR extension
Thanks David...congratulations to you too on your first one. Have you had any other jobs yet?
I hope I did a good job as well. It took me awhile because my flow isnt down pat just yet but I think it went well anyway. Mine was fairly easy too as it was a split level that was all electric with no central a/c/heat pump.
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11-27-2008, 10:26 AM #17
Re: TPR extension
I think that there is some confusion in the meaning of discharge and terminate.
The "New Way" also says the discharge pipe shall not cause personal injury or structural damage.
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11-27-2008, 10:53 AM #18
Re: TPR extension
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11-27-2008, 11:14 AM #19
Re: TPR extension
Sometimes there is just an oops in the thinking when things are redone. They do not always account for all scenarios. This is one of those cases where I just go with the norm or old way until all questions and unit locations are addressed. You cannot go changing anything unless those scenarios are addressed. To much else to consider. What if it is in a closet. Does a separate drain have to be installed with an air gap between the termination and drain. What if it is in a cellar. Does a separate drain and drainage system have to be installed or do you just blow it on the floor with the pipe stopping six inches above the floor. To much to consider and to much possible expense. Yes a leaking TPR valve may not get noticed until the next time you mow the grass but it will be noticed. Not all humans are idiots and most will see that a plumber corrects the concern. Sometimes the thinking community just over and out thinks themselves. Sometimes that is the problem with people just sitting around having a think tank situation. Sometimes things are better left the way they are.
I was not going to give my 2 cents until I saw all other posts on the matter. Drain it to the exterior and leave it alone. Maybe a leak every several years. So what. It will get repaired.
JMO
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11-27-2008, 11:57 AM #20
Re: TPR extension
- P2803.6.1 Requirements for discharge pipe.The discharge piping serving a pressure-relief valve, temperature relief valve or combination valve shall:
- - 1. Not be directly connected to the drainage system. (Jerry's note: Means that "it may" be connected to the drainage system, just "not directly connected to" the drainage system, it needs an air gap.)
- - 2. Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater. (Jerry's note: The discharge pipe discharge through the air gap, and ends there at the air gap, after the air gap is an indirect waste receptor, which has a drain line which, if using an air gap, then drains to the outdoors.)
- - 3. Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve served and shall discharge full size to the air gap. (Jerry's note: Obvious what that say, do not reduce the valve outlet down to a smaller size.)
- - 4. Serve a single relief device and shall not connect to piping serving any other relief device or equipment. (Jerry's note: Shall serve only that one relief valve.)
- - 5. Discharge to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor or to the outdoors. Where discharging to the outdoors in areas subject to freezing, discharge piping shall be first piped to an indirect waste receptor through an air gap located in a conditioned area. (Jerry's note: The discharge pipe may discharge to the floor, to an indirect waster receptor - 2. above -, or to the outdoors - if the water heater is installed outdoors.)
- - 6. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage. (Jerry's note: Regardless where it discharges to, it is not allowed to cause personal injury.)
- - 7. Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable by the building occupants. (Jerry's note: Means you are not allowed to hide it, which brings up the question: are water heaters now allowed in closets where the discharge is not readily observable by the occupants?)
- - 8. Not be trapped. (Jerry's note: That one is obvious.)
- - 9. Be installed to flow by gravity. (Jerry's note: If it is not trapped, then it must drain by gravity, which means slope downhill.)
- - 10. Not terminate more than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor or waste receptor. (Jerry's note: The termination must be within 6" of the floor or water receptor to control the discharge and help prevent it from injuring the occupants.)
- - 11. Not have a threaded connection at the end of the piping. (Jerry's note: So no valve, cap or other device can easily be attached.)
- - 12. Not have valves or tee fittings. (Jerry's note: Nothing to restrict or impede the flow.)
- - 13. Be constructed of those materials listed in Section P2904.5 or materials tested, rated and approved for such use in accordance with ASME A112.4.1. (Jerry's note: Be of materials suitable for use with potable hot water).
Ted,
I agree.
With the valve open and flowing, the danger is going, the pressure is gone, the hot water is being cooled by the incoming cold water. When it leaks enough, there will be almost no hot water, THAT is when they call the plumber.
The way it is being done now, they just simply cap it off to stop the leak.
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11-27-2008, 01:36 PM #21
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11-27-2008, 05:54 PM #22
Re: TPR extension
Dom,
Not wanting to read the complex information is what stymies you sometimes. When you do not read it all and only quote a part you think is applicable, you put yourself in the position of being incorrect because, if you were to read the entire thing, you would clearly see the requirements ARE quite clearly stated.
Bottom line is the discharge terminates IN THE SAME ROOM AS THE WATER HEATER.
"2. Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater."
It only "terminates in the same room" through an air gap when it "terminates into the air gap".
Thus, if continued on out of that room, the discharge terminated at the top of the air gap, which then discharged into the waste receptor at the bottom of the air gap, which then drained ("discharged") out somewhere else - "outdoors" is one of the options for that drain pipe to "discharge".
From the air gap, is is no longer that same "discharge pipe" as, by code, that "discharge pipe" has *just terminated* ... at the air gap. The pipe at the bottom of the air gap is a different animal.
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11-27-2008, 08:44 PM #23
Re: TPR extension
Happy Thanksgiving Jerry.
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11-28-2008, 04:38 AM #24
Re: TPR extension
2006 IRC Commentary says:
"The do’s and don’ts for relief valve discharge pipes are extensive, as illustrated by the list of 13 items. Relief valves are emergency devices that are not intended to operate continuously. Any discharge must not go unnoticed, because discharge from a relief valve indicates that something is seriously wrong with the system. The termination of a relief valve discharge must be visible for observation so that corrective measures can be taken as necessary. If a relief valve discharges to a drainage system, the discharge must be an indirect connection through an air gap to prevent backflow from potentially contaminating the potable water system. The diameter of the discharge pipe must not be reduced or be less than the diameter of the relief valve outlet. To maintain the rated capacity of the valve, the developed length of relief valve discharge piping is limited by the valve and/or appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Relief valve discharge piping must not be exposed to freezing temperatures because freezing water could block the pipe and disable the relief valve. The relief valve must first discharge through an air gap into an indirect waste receptor located in a heated space, which, in turn, discharges to the outdoors. Note that in all cases, the relief discharge pipe must discharge through an air gap before extending beyond the room in which the valve is located. The discharge pipe must terminate close to the floor level to prevent harm to building occupants (see Commentary Figure P2801.5). Water must not be allowed to discharge where it can cause structural damage. Discharge piping must drain by gravity and must not be trapped within the relief piping system. Standing water in the discharge line could freeze or cause corrosion damage to the valve mechanism. To discourage the installation of a cap, plug or valve, the code prohibits the installation of threads on the outlet end of such pipe. A relief valve discharge pipe cannot serve any other purpose or connect to any other piping because this could compromise the function of the relief valve."
Also see: Watts Water Safety and Flow Control Products - balancing valve, ball valve, butterfly valve, check valve, relief valve, temperature gauge
Back to the code, the "old way" has not entirely left the building.
Aaron
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11-28-2008, 07:37 AM #25
Re: TPR extension
Aaron,
Elvis *has* left the building , whenever you see him, you are seeing an impersonator.
The same with the discharge line, the "old way" has left the building, the "new way" allows for an impersonation of the "old way" in that it now requires an air gap before the discharge leaves the room the water heater is in.
(underlining and bold are mine)
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11-28-2008, 07:59 AM #26
Re: TPR extension
"Relief valve discharge piping must not be exposed to freezing temperatures because freezing water could block the pipe and disable the relief valve. The relief valve must first discharge through an air gap into an indirect waste receptor located in a heated space, which, in turn, discharges to the outdoors."
This indicates that the units will no longer be allowed to be installed in un-heated attics, garages, exterior compartments, etc.
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11-28-2008, 08:05 AM #27
Re: TPR extension
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11-28-2008, 08:34 AM #28
Re: TPR extension
But it does not mean you cannot have it in unheated spaces. It "indicates". Freezing climates, maybe. Temperate climates should not matter. There is enough heat escape in attics in temperate climate where this is not a concern. If I still lived in Mass I would not put my water heater in an attic or garage that is not heated anyway. So, by saying that it has not changed at all.
If you still run the discharge to the exterior the end of the pipe where it exits the home is exposed. Again if you live up north this is not a good idea anyway and usually does not happen. So in that case nothing has changed. More temperate climates would not affect it so this has not changes either.
Discharging through an air gap I can only think this was added is to possibly cut down end of line pressure, maybe. Not quite sure what that is all about.
A little edit
Aaron said "not entirely"
"Back to the code, the "old way" has not entirely left the building."
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11-28-2008, 08:43 AM #29
Re: TPR extension
JP:
An argument could easily be supported that an attic or a garage is not a "room". However, that is not what I was referring to. Also, if you will take the time to actually read my post, you will see that I did not disagree with you regarding the air gap, though I do disagree with the ICC's "thinking" that resulted in the wording there. What I was referring to is that the manufacturer's instructions regarding the discharge tube length, bends, etc. remains with us.
Don't be so eager to jump on people until you at least take the time to actually read and think about what they say. Especially not me.
If you reply to this with one of your typical Tolstoyian mainfestos, you'll have to wait until this evening for a reply. I have two inspections in a deluge today and time is short.
Aaron
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11-28-2008, 01:07 PM #30
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11-28-2008, 03:24 PM #31
Re: TPR extension
First, if discharging to the drainage system, it is for, as stated in the commentary, "to prevent backflow from potentially contaminating the potable water system", and, if not connected to the drainage system but run to where there could, under any circumstance, be a similar contamination, the air gap is there for that. In fact, if you just dump it to the floor and leave the pipe 6" above the floor (as wanted by Watts to make sure there will be no pressure build-up), then you have created the air gap anyway.
Aaron said "not entirely"
"Back to the code, the "old way" has not entirely left the building."
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11-28-2008, 03:31 PM #32
Re: TPR extension
One could, and they would then face the response that, if the attic, garage, crawlspace, etc. is not a "room", then those spaces will be considered as "outdoors" (they are considered "outdoors, not "indoors"), in which case one would only need to look at the listing and labeling for approval or rating for installation "outdoors" ... ... and they are not listed or labeled for installation "outdoors" .
However, that is not what I was referring to. Also, if you will take the time to actually read my post, you will see that I did not disagree with you regarding the air gap, though I do disagree with the ICC's "thinking" that resulted in the wording there. What I was referring to is that the manufacturer's instructions regarding the discharge tube length, bends, etc. remains with us.
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11-28-2008, 05:44 PM #33
Re: TPR extension
I would like to know how under the new rules would you install a TPR drain on a water heater in an attic!
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11-28-2008, 11:23 PM #34
Re: TPR extension
Bob, I don't see anything that would preclude installation in the attic so long as you have the air gap visible and before the drain leaves the "room" or attic.
I don't know of any municipality that has adopted the latest version of the IRC yet, but we will see how the AHJ interprets it soon enough.
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11-29-2008, 07:33 AM #35
Re: TPR extension
"5. Discharge to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor or to the outdoors. Where discharging to the outdoors in areas subject to freezing, discharge piping shall be first piped to an indirect waste receptor through an air gap located in a conditioned area. "
I'm trying to picture a scenario that compies with the above when the unit is installed in an attic or garage. Picture please??
In the large majority of the country, water can freeze in an attic. Maybe not Hawaii or Key West. Actually, it can get pretty damned cold on top of those volcanoes.
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11-29-2008, 07:57 AM #36
Re: TPR extension
"In addition to" is a term here that I cannot agree with. If only by its position within the code itself I feel that the manufacturer's installation instructions, where they regard an appliance's listing, take precedence over the code:
"R102.4 Referenced codes and standards.The codes and
standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the
requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such
reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this
code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this
code shall apply.
Exception:Where enforcement of a code provision would
violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment or
appliance, the conditions of the listing and manufacturer’s
instructions shall apply."
Now as to the ICC's unfortunate wording of this little gem, terminating the discharge tube in any space (room, if you will), in my opinion, is a mistake. Exterior termination is the only way to at least partially insure that:
"6. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal
injury or structural damage."
Placement of the water heater in the attic, in a closet, or in any place where the homeowner is not likely to be observing on a regular basis seems to me to negate:
"7. Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable
by the building occupants."
But, I could write a very long book on the number of not only seeming but very real and blatant contradictions resident in any particular versions of the IRC. It only seems to get worse with every new version. I have yet to see the 2009 version, because I refuse to buy a hard copy, but it is likely even less integrous than the 2006 model . . .
As usual, it's always a pleasure to trade words with you JP,
Aaron
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11-29-2008, 11:01 AM #37
Re: TPR extension
Aaron,
Therein lies the catch.
Doing what the manufacturers "allows" and what the code "requires".
In this case, the manufacturer "allows" certain things, while the code "requires" certain other things.
Example: If the manufacturer "allows" the discharge line to be up to 30 feet long with no more than 4 elbows, those requirements are not "violated" by a code requiring the discharge line to be 3 feet long, with one elbow (I know, that is not what the code requires, I am just giving an example). In this case, installing to code *does not violate* the manufacturer's listing and labeling or its installation instructions.
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11-29-2008, 12:00 PM #38
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11-29-2008, 01:24 PM #39
Re: TPR extension
Because I thought that was the reason you posted the code reference you did ... that it was violating the MII to install to code ...
Besides, the code says "Water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the requirements of this code."
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11-29-2008, 02:58 PM #40
Re: TPR extension
JP:
But, in fact, the reason for my post was not to make any such point. It was merely to state that not all of the "old way", as you say, was done away with in the "new way" of doing TPR drain line things. That's all, I swear it.
Jeez! I'm glad you are just a mere Peck. A Bushel of that stuff would be just too much!
Aaron
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12-01-2008, 08:16 AM #41
Re: TPR extension
Brian,
I'm happy I missed all this enriched knowledge exchange, because the thanksgiving weekend with family, I got lost in the arguments and honesty I don't recall (may because ignorance) any water heaters TPRs in those classic russian novels. Sorry, never imagined the codes linked to a Tolstoy's manifesto (is there any?)
Almost sure you got your answer, anyway taking this inspection as my own, I would modesty report that this piping is not meeting code (any known by me) and also is not meeting manufacturers directions (any known by me).
Between us "common sense", perhaps from the Tolstoy's "scientific positivism" , flow blocked because so many elbows, no "visible" discharge are basic enough to report to homeowner, suggest to get a well known local "licensed, bonded and insured" contractor to re route the piping, meeting both common requirements code an manufacturer directions, if this is an existing house should be some code exceptions to easy the way.
Regards.
Bernardo
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12-01-2008, 08:33 AM #42
Re: TPR extension
"Tolstoy's "scientific positivism""
Excellent!
Aaron
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12-01-2008, 11:55 AM #43
Re: TPR extension
True Professionals, Inc. Property Consultant
877-466-8504
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12-01-2008, 12:31 PM #44
Re: TPR extension
This a somewhat related subject. I was inspecting a house last week and came across this installation on the water heater.There was a tee on the discharge pipe from the TPR valve, located about halfway down the vertical drop. A reducer on the tee connected a small bore "PVC" flexible pipe about 1/4"dia. to the valve on the cold water line of the water heater.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture to show.
Can someone explain to me what this could be.
Thanks
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12-01-2008, 12:34 PM #45
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12-01-2008, 12:42 PM #46
Re: TPR extension
Dana:
Regarding your signature concerning political correctness:
Ruth Perry traces the term back to Mao's Little Red Book. According to Perry, the term was later adopted by the radical left in the 1960s, initially seriously and later ironically, as a self-criticism of dogmatic attitudes. In the 1990s, because of the term's association with radical politics and communist censorship, it was used by the political right in the United States to try to discredit the Old and New Left.
Aaron
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12-01-2008, 07:48 PM #47
Re: TPR extension
Aaron,
You are, of course, referring to this:
"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an mainstream media,which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
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12-02-2008, 03:24 AM #48
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12-02-2008, 08:45 AM #49
Re: TPR extension
WOAH! did this thread take a left turn or what?
LOL, Dana
True Professionals, Inc. Property Consultant
877-466-8504
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12-02-2008, 09:27 AM #50
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12-02-2008, 03:35 PM #51
Re: TPR extension
jerry,
well said my steaming colleague.
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12-03-2008, 02:51 PM #52
Re: TPR extension
Re: TPR extension
This a somewhat related subject. I was inspecting a house last week and came across this installation on the water heater.There was a tee on the discharge pipe from the TPR valve, located about halfway down the vertical drop. A reducer on the tee connected a small bore "PVC" flexible pipe about 1/4"dia. to the valve on the cold water line of the water heater.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture to show.
Can someone explain to me what this could be.
Thanks
Any other ideas
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12-03-2008, 02:58 PM #53
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12-03-2008, 03:22 PM #54
Re: TPR extension
Manzoor - That sounds very bizarre. I have no explanation. It's wrong, of course.
On a probably unrelated note, if you would go to the UserCP in the upper left and fill in your location (Town/City, State/Country, etc.), it could be helpful in responding to your questions.
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12-03-2008, 04:21 PM #55
Re: TPR extension
As with John and Aaron, I have no idea what the concept was behind what they thought they were doing ... but agree that it is wrong, plain wrong, and it needs to be removed and the T&P line replaced.
My 'stranger than fiction' thought on what it might be was (but, why would anyone do this or think this is beyond me) that was a 'flushing line' connected to the cold water inlet to allow cold water to 'flush out' the T&P line, or, even stranger than that, the line was a 'bleed line' to bleed some of the discharging water back to the cold water side - now that is bazaar. Told you it was stranger than fiction.
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12-03-2008, 04:56 PM #56
Re: TPR extension
Maybe a rigged bleed line to allow the "winterizing" of the water lines?
No matter what it is though, it is not allowed under any circumstances.
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12-04-2008, 06:12 AM #57
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12-04-2008, 05:17 PM #58
Re: TPR extension
What do you do when the water heater is in the attic like much of Texas?
I have seen a few new homes lately that the wh is in the crawl space. At the foundation wall the tp line stops over a funnel that is terminated to the exterior. Thought that was a little extreme. Why you can't plumb straight out the foundation I have no clue...........
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12-18-2008, 06:37 AM #59
Re: TPR extension
UPdate on the TPR extension...My client had the TPR extension looked at by a roto rooter plumber and he signed off on it as it being a solid setup that needed no changes. Apparantly the many 90 degree elbows and the length of the pipe and it being discharged into a sealed sump pump crock was satisfactory to him. Fine by me, as long as he signed off on it as being ok!
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12-18-2008, 09:44 AM #60
Re: TPR extension
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12-18-2008, 10:52 AM #61
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02-17-2009, 02:59 PM #62
Re: TPR extension
Todays inspection had me pause to think through this installation.
Electric water heater installed in crawlspace next to foundation wall. TPR either does not have a discharge pipe or it is less than 1 inch in length. TPR discharges directly into 1.5 inch PVC pipe that passes through foundation wall to the exterior.
The TPR actually discharges into the elbow so if it ever discharges it will probably splash more out than will flow down the pipe. The water will end up in the crawlspace.
There is an air gap between the TPR and PVC pipe and the pipe exits to the exterior. Waddya think? Reportable defect?
"The Code is not a peak to reach but a foundation to build from."
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02-17-2009, 03:48 PM #63
Re: TPR extension
it's wrong. cut off the pvc 90 and use whats left for a sleeve for extending a compliant line.
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02-17-2009, 03:51 PM #64
Re: TPR extension
Compliant? How does PVC comply for hot water and protection from UV rays on the exterior of the structure?
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02-17-2009, 03:53 PM #65
Re: TPR extension
First, yes, write it up - PVC cannot be used for ... er ... okay it "CAN BE" used for that because you have a photo of it, so I will re-phrase ... PVC *is not allowed to be* used for that use, it will soften and melt.
Second, there is no "air gap", that is an "air break", except that it is not even and "air break" - that's the closest thing I can think of that it is too ... wait a minute ... just thought of something closer ... that is - "All wrong!"
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