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H2O heater pressure relief pipe joins AC condensate drain? sinister 06-25-2008
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Posted by sinister on June 25, 2008, 6:51 am
Just closed on a house on Friday.

While examining the AC condensate drain, I noticed that the pipe coming from
the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater joins it. (Actually, it
_used_ to join it; now that joint is completely loose.) The condensate
drain pipe then travels another couple feet and drains into the pipe for the
clothes washer drain.

Is that a good idea? Somehow I don't think so.

Also, the pipe they used coming off the relief value is PVC not copper. Is
that good?

TIA,

S



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Posted by Joe on June 25, 2008, 2:01 pm
> Just closed on a house on Friday.
>
> While examining the AC condensate drain, I noticed that the pipe coming f=
rom
> the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater joins it. =A0(Actually,=
it
> _used_ to join it; now that joint is completely loose.) =A0The condensate
> drain pipe then travels another couple feet and drains into the pipe for =
the
> clothes washer drain.
>
> Is that a good idea? =A0Somehow I don't think so.

Condensate drain volume is relatively small and not under pressure so
it may be OK if the joint is simply loose and not allowing condensate
to drip on the floor.

> Also, the pipe they used coming off the relief value is PVC not copper. =
=A0Is
> that good?

If your building code allows it, there is no problem. Your City
Building Inspector will know; give him a call. HTH

Joe

Posted by Wayne Whitney on June 25, 2008, 2:05 pm

> While examining the AC condensate drain, I noticed that the pipe
> coming from the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater joins
> it. (Actually, it _used_ to join it; now that joint is completely
> loose.) The condensate drain pipe then travels another couple feet
> and drains into the pipe for the clothes washer drain. Is that a
> good idea? Somehow I don't think so.

No, it is not a good idea. The pipe on the pressure relief valve
should be a single straight piece terminating about 6"-12" above the
floor. Most plumbing codes do not allow additional fittings on it or
piping it to a drain. If the valve operates, you want to be aware of
it, as it is a sign of a problem.

Cheers, Wayne

Posted by HeyBub on June 25, 2008, 4:31 pm
Wayne Whitney wrote:
>
>> While examining the AC condensate drain, I noticed that the pipe
>> coming from the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater joins
>> it. (Actually, it _used_ to join it; now that joint is completely
>> loose.) The condensate drain pipe then travels another couple feet
>> and drains into the pipe for the clothes washer drain. Is that a
>> good idea? Somehow I don't think so.
>
> No, it is not a good idea. The pipe on the pressure relief valve
> should be a single straight piece terminating about 6"-12" above the
> floor. Most plumbing codes do not allow additional fittings on it or
> piping it to a drain. If the valve operates, you want to be aware of
> it, as it is a sign of a problem.
>

Mine goes up to the attic, across, then down through a wall, and exits the
house about a foot above ground level.



Posted by Harry K on June 25, 2008, 11:35 pm
>
> > While examining the AC condensate drain, I noticed that the pipe
> > coming from the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater joins
> > it. =A0(Actually, it _used_ to join it; now that joint is completely
> > loose.) =A0The condensate drain pipe then travels another couple feet
> > and drains into the pipe for the clothes washer drain. =A0Is that a
> > good idea? =A0Somehow I don't think so.
>
> No, it is not a good idea. =A0The pipe on the pressure relief valve
> should be a single straight piece terminating about 6"-12" above the
> floor. =A0Most plumbing codes do not allow additional fittings on it or
> piping it to a drain. =A0If the valve operates, you want to be aware of
> it, as it is a sign of a problem.
>
> Cheers, Wayne

I'd like to see _that_ code specification. The 6" bit is correct as a
non-siphon termination is required, but it is recommended that all
PRV's terminated in a safe drain, not on the floor. If you hear
spashing on the floor you have two problems, what caused the valve to
operate and what damage is all that water on the floor going to cause.

Harry K

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