#Hot water heater overflow pipe dripping code#

The valve itself won't seat properly because of crud (sediment/CaCO3) deposits in it - it's not terribly hard for a plumber to replace, although they will have to turn off and partially drain the heater to do so.If water is coming out of it, call a plumber, as that indicates one of three possibilities: It's really not an 'overflow' - but the outlet from a Temperature and Pressure relief valve that keeps your water heater from rocketing its way through your roof and into your neighbor's yard should the control valve or thermostat fail. This air gap keeps your drains from backing up and proceeding to contaminate your water supply with nasty stuff.

This goes to the same place as all the other drains, but can't be plumbed 'hard' due to the need to provide an air gap. That 'overflow' pipe is supposed to go into a drained overflow pan, or barring that, to a drained floor. If there is you may have a defective TP Valve (or worse, a malfunctioning boiler). P.S.- there should not be water coming from that drain pipe.

#Hot water heater overflow pipe dripping code#

Check with your local building code authority office. Appliances outside of the home (as yours appears to be) may not be subject to the same requirement. Some (if not all) localities require that they be plumbed to the exterior of the building or to a floor drain if the appliance is located in the home. The pipe is a great idea whether or not it is plumbed to a drain or alternative location because if the valve activates it is less of a hazard to humans when scalding steam and water are directed downward and away from hapless victims. B- It is not connected to an 'overflow' valve.Ĭ- It is a drain pipe connected to a Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve which is not only a legal requirement, but a critical safety device to prevent an over-pressure event (boiler explosion- google it)įor years and years, it was common to see no pipe at all.