TPR discharge connected to cold water inlet?

[Tim H]

I have never seen this before and I can't figure out what they were trying to accomplish. Any ideas?

Thanks-Tim

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[Mark P]

Now that is goofy.

[SWagar]

Not only is that goofy, it is one big accident waiting to happen.

I don't know what the pressure/burst rating is for CPVC pipe. If

the water heater overpressurized it would more than likely

burst the pipe. Something would have to give, the pipe would be

the weak point. Then one would have one big mess!

[Richard Saunders]

I think that is a relief valve for thermal expansion incorporated in the shut off valve (takes the place of an expansion tank). Granted, it shouldn't be teed to the T&P drain but normally, there would not be any water flow through it.

[Richard Saunders]

Here's one

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[SWagar]

I thought what I was seeing in the photo was that the CPVC pipe

fed the cold inlet and was Tee'd to the TPR valve. But after closer

inspection, the CPVC TPR drain pipe just has the copper pipe from

the cold water shut off connected to it. So I'd have to agree it is for

thermal expansion.

Was there a pressure reducing valve or backflow preventer

installed on the water main? Was this house on a well?

In general, I thought most thermal expansion is dissipated by the

cold water plumbing from the water heater back toward the water

supply, unless there is a device preventing water flow back toward

the supply.

[Jeremy]

Originally posted by SWagar

In general, I thought most thermal expansion is dissipated by the

cold water plumbing from the water heater back toward the water

supply, unless there is a device preventing water flow back toward

the supply.

Thermal expansion is absorbed by the pressure tank in the case of private supply such as a well. It is absorbed by the municiple supply system provided there is no device like you say such as a pressure regulator or check valve.

[hausdok]

Originally posted by Jeremy

Originally posted by SWagar

In general, I thought most thermal expansion is dissipated by the

cold water plumbing from the water heater back toward the water

supply, unless there is a device preventing water flow back toward

the supply.

Thermal expansion is absorbed by the pressure tank in the case of private supply such as a well. It is absorbed by the municiple supply system provided there is no device like you say such as a pressure regulator or check valve.

Hi,

Well, it's my understanding that since 9-11 municipalities have been working overtime to get anti-backflow devices installed on their systems and many require expansion tanks now when the water heaters are replaced.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Richard Saunders]

This valve arrangement seems to be the new way to go. The valve should have a separate drain line to the exterior. Probably cheaper than a tank and may last longer.