Re: Water Heater drain line?

[Vince Bradley]

Im about to have an old gas water heater replaced in my recently-purchased house, and the existing water heater has a drain line from the pressure relief valve to the outside of the house.When the new one is installed, is this line really necessary? Seems to me that youd want to have it drain to a point inside (having a drain pan underneath) so you can see a problem before it worsens.Any thoughts?

[K ShertzParticipant]

: Im about to have an old gas water heater replaced in my recently-purchased house, and the existing water heater has a drain line from the pressure relief valve to the outside of the house. There is some merit to what youre saying. Myself, I would run the drain line outside IF the tank where in a location that water from the drain would cause significant damage, eg. carpet, hardwood, etc. Ive had this happen once, any I piped the PRV drain outside after replacing the pressure relief valve the same day. Also, you might want to check your local codes for their requirement.: When the new one is installed, is this line really necessary? Seems to me that youd want to have it drain to a point inside (having a drain pan underneath) so you can see a problem before it worsens.: Any thoughts?

[K ShertzParticipant]

Per Code the Temperature and Releif valve should be piped to the outside of the dwelling. This is in case the valve fails while you are away.Also for safety that you do not have 140+ water flooding your home.If you had a Licensed Plumbing Contractor install the most potentially dangerous appliance in your home, he/she would have been able to inform you of this. Good Luck.

[K ShertzParticipant]

: Per Code the Temperature and Releif valve should be piped to the outside of the dwelling.Glad to know this. I am having a licenced plumbing contractor do the install, and am sure theyll tell me the same thing.Thanks, Kevin

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