6

So I replaced my 6.5 year old electric hot water (installed with house built in 06') heater and used an identical plumbing setup as my previous install. My previous (and now current) install has a 3/4" pressure relief valve in the cold water inlet. As explained to me, this is a 1st fail-safe to allow the water heater to relief pressure and not wait for the 150 psi T&P valve to blow out water. Basically it's a '1st level backup'.

The relief valve in question, is this 3/4 in. Relief Valve.

enter image description here

All is good and the new water heater is working and flowing great. But I looked up the relief valve I bought and re-installed (identical to the previous valve installed) and there was the following note:

Not for use with water heaters

OK this concerned me a bit because it was installed with the original hot water heater when the house was built. I see the another comment:

The solid-brass design meets federal low lead regulation

OK so 'lead' makes me concerned even though it meets requirements. So here are my main questions:

  1. Does it say 'Not for Use with Water Heaters' because it is not intended to be a replacement for a T&P valve which operates at a higher temperature and pressure along with a relief valve on the unit?
  2. Is it not for use with hot water heaters because it has the potential to have a lead containment that will leak into the water?

I prefer a definitive answer as opposed to guesses obviously and responses from anyone who is familiar with that relief valve.

Improve this question
2
  • Because what you're showing is a pump pressure relief valve, normally installed on the casing head. The rubber seat is rated for cold water.
    – Fiasco Labs
    Oct 5, 2013 at 1:28
  • Something that has no lead in it would meet federal low lead regulations.
    – Andy
    Jul 20, 2015 at 0:51

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
7

While I can't provide a definitive answer, since I'm not the manufacturer, nor do I, or have I ever worked for the manufacturer. I can try to provide a logical, fact based answer that may be close to the truth.

Heat Expansion

When water is heated, the pressure in a closed system increases. If the pressure increases beyond the tripping point of the T&P valve on the heater, the valve should open to release some of the pressure. This release usually involves very hot water and steam, released in a controlled manner. If you install a pressure relief valve set lower than the T&P trip value, The relief valve will open long before the T&P valve possibly releasing hot water and steam in an uncontrolled way. This could lead to injury to occupants, or damage to property.

It's possible that your area has not adopted the use of backflow prevention, so this extra pressure can simply be released back through the distribution system. In which case, you'll probably never see either relief valve ever open. If you do have backflow prevention in place, it's possible that this relief valve could open under "normal" conditions. The International Residential Code (IRC), and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) recommend pressure between 40 - 80 psi.

IRC 2009
P2903.3 Minimum pressure. Minimum static pressure (as determined by the local water authority) at the building entrance for either public or private water service shall be 40 psi (276 kPa).

P2903.3.1 Maximum pressure. Maximum static pressure shall be 80 psi (551 kPa). When main pressure exceeds 80 psi (551 kPa), an approved pressure-reducing valve conforming to ASSE 1003 shall be installed on the domestic water branch main or riser at the connection to the water-service pipe.

So even under "normal" conditions, your 75 psi valve could open.

Controlling Expansion in a Closed System

If backflow prevention has been used in your home, you are required by code to install a device for controlling pressure.

IRC 2009
P2903.4 Thermal expansion control. A means for controlling increased pressure caused by thermal expansion shall be installed where required in accordance with Sections P2903.4.1 and P2903.4.2.

P2903.4.1 Pressure-reducing valve. For water service system sizes up to and including 2 inches (51 mm), a device for controlling pressure shall be installed where, because of thermal expansion, the pressure on the downstream side of a pressure-reducing valve exceeds the pressure-reducing valve setting.

P2903.4.2 Backflow prevention device or check valve. Where a backflow prevention device, check valve or other device is installed on a water supply system using storage water heating equipment such that thermal expansion causes an increase in pressure, a device for controlling pressure shall be installed.

While a relief valve may fit this description, the more common method is to install an expansion tank.

enter image description here

Safely Releasing Pressure

There are requirements for releasing pressure by way of a discharge pipe, which this valve may not meet.

IRC 2009
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.
  2. Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater.
  3. Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve served and shall discharge full size to the air gap.
  4. Serve a single relief device and shall not connect to piping serving any other relief device or equipment.
  5. Discharge to the floor, to the pan serving the water heater or storage tank, to a waste receptor or to the outdoors.
  6. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage.
  7. Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable by the building occupants.
  8. Not be trapped.
  9. Be installed to flow by gravity.
  10. Not terminate more than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor or waste receptor.
  11. Not have a threaded connection at the end of the piping.
  12. Not have valves or tee fittings
  13. Be constructed of those materials listed in Section P2905.5 or materials tested, rated and approved for such use in accordance with ASME A112.4.1.

Lead Safe

After doing a bit or research, I stumbled upon the NSF website which provides a lot of valuable information. It turns out, the valve mentioned in the question is indeed certified to meet ANSI/NSF 61, ANSI/NSF 61 Annex G, and California's AB 1953.

enter image description here

Which means it is safe for use with potable water (at least as far as lead is concerned). If you check the valve and/or packaging, you'll likely notice the NSF mark.

If you have any other fittings or products you'd like to check out, you can Search for NSF Certified Products.

tl;dr

This valve is not designed (or was not tested) to meet the codes and standards for a pressure relief valve on, or near a water heater. So the manufacturer was forced to mark the fitting "Not for use with water heaters".

Improve this answer
3
  • Interesting and thorough for my question #1, thank you for your time. I wonder why the original plumbers building the house and installing the H2O heater chose such a device? Any thoughts on Part 2 of my question about the "The solid-brass design meets federal low lead regulation" comment and safety factor for drinking since it is on the cold water intake? (i.e. someone gets a cup of hot water from the faucet to drink). Since it meets the regulation I would assume it is acceptable, correct?
    – atconway
    Feb 12, 2013 at 14:44
  • 1
    @atconway I did some research, and updated my answer.
    – Tester101
    Feb 12, 2013 at 15:20
  • Would you think the "problem" is more likely that the valve would be damaged by hot water, or simply that the safety valve that is required on a hot water heater must open if the water gets too hot regardless of pressure but this valve would not include that feature?
    – supercat
    Oct 18, 2014 at 4:14
5

As for the lead concern: virtually all brass contains lead, even so-called "lead-free brass". As long as it meets federal regulations I don't see a concern. Wouldn't you be more concerned if it didn't meet code?

Besides, if this is on the inlet to a hot water heater, presumably nobody will be drinking the water on a regular basis, so in my mind it's a total non-issue.

Improve this answer
2
  • The hot water in my house routinely sprays all over my body, including in my mouth sometimes. Not sure I would call it a "total non-issue".
    – Tester101
    Feb 12, 2013 at 17:32
  • 2
    I agree it would be a little more worrisome if the valve were not rated for potable water. But in this case, the combination of a legal fitting plus exceedingly low consumption makes it a non-issue in my mind.
    – Hank
    Feb 12, 2013 at 19:14
2

The answer is number 1. Number 2 applies to all potable water brass or bronze fittings but it appears that your fitting meets that standard.

T&P means temperature and pressure relief valve you have purchased a pressure only valve used for wells. I assume this is installed on top of a tee and has its own discharge pipe.

Improve this answer
1

The simple answer is that it's not a temperature and pressure valve. It is a potable water probably 150psi pressure relief valve. A T&P valve has a temperature sensitive rod protruding from the tank side of the valve with the intention of being emersed in the water to get an effective reading.

This is a T&P valveenter image description herewww.canadiantire.com

You are only required to have one of these in the system. If they fail it's most often a leaky T&P.

If it says (the pressure relief in question) not for potable water then it's not approved for domestic systems. Stating not for water tank use implies that it's not suitable to act in place of a T&P valve but may be installed in concert with one. I'd be hesitant to install it in a hot location but anywhere on the cold line should not pose a problem.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.