7
Do not thread a cap or plug into the relief valve or relief valve
line under any circumstances! Explosion and property damage,
serious injury, or death may result.
RE-INSPECTION OF T&P RELIEF VALVES: T&P valves should be
inspected AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS, and replaced if
necessary, by a licensed plumbing contractor or qualified service
technician to ensure that the product has not been affected by
corrosive water conditions and to ensure that the valve and
discharged line have not been altered or tampered with illegally.
Certain naturally occuring conditions may corrode the valve and
its components over time, rendering the valve inoperative. Such
conditions can only be detected if the valve and its components
are physically removed and inspected. Do not attempt to
conduct an inspection on your own. Contact your plumbing
contractor for a re-inspection to assure continued safety.
FAILURE TO RE-INSPECT THE T&P VALVE AS DIRECTED COULD
RESULT IN UNSAFE TEMPERATURE AND/OR PRESSURE BUILD-
UP WHICH CAN RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
E. Scalding
An ASSE 1017 or ASSE 1070 temperature limiting or mixing valve is
recommended in installations servicing disabled or elderly persons,
or children. Mixing valves do not eliminate the risk of scalding.
To avoid scalding:
•
Set the water heater set point temperature as low as
possible.
•
Feel water before bathing or showering.
•
If thermostatic valves are required, use devices specifically
designed for such purpose. Install these devices in
accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Failure to install a temperature limiting or mixing valve and follow
these instructions could result in property damage, severe personal
injury, or death due to scalds.
C. Domestic Piping Inlet
Never use dielectric fittings or galvanized steel fittings on any
domestic water connections. Use only copper or brass fittings.
Failure to do so will result in premature water heater failure. Such
failure IS NOT covered by warranty.
Use both thread tape and pipe dope to connect an NPT brass tee.
On the run, install a brass drain valve. In the branch, install an NPT
male X 3/4” (minimum) pipe adapter. A shut-off valve between the
city water supply and tank inlet is recommended for ease of service.
It may be recommended to use a back flow preventer - check local
codes. If a back flow preventer or a no return valve is used, a thermal
expansion tank must be installed on the cold water supply between
the tank and valve. If the tank is replacing a tankless coil in the boiler,
disconnect coil plumbing and use the cold inlet pipe and hot water
outlet pipes for the water heater.
D. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is provided on all
models. Install as detailed in the piping diagrams in this installation
manual. Use both thread tape and pipe dope to install the T&P relief
valve. The T&P valve must be plumbed down so discharge can exit
at least 6” above the electrical parts. If the relief valve constantly
weeps intall an expansion tank. See expansion tank manufacturer’s
instructions for suggestions.
All relief valves must meet local codes and be certified as meeting
the requirements for hot water heaters (ANSI Z21.22 / CSA 4.4) by
a nationally recognized lab that maintains periodic inspection of
production listed equipment. The relief valve must be sized to the
BTU/Hour capacity of the water heater.
To avoid water damage or scalding due to relief valve operation:
•
Discharge line must be connected to relief valve outlet and
run to a safe place of disposal. Terminate the discharge line
in a manner that will prevent possibility of severe burns or
property damage should the relief valve discharge.
•
Discharge line must be as short as possible and the same
size as the valve discharge connection throughout its
entire length.
•
Discharge line must pitch downward from the valve
and terminate at least 6” above the floor drain, making
discharge clearly visible.
•
The discharge line shall terminate plain, not threaded, with
a material serviceable for temperatures of 375
o
F or greater.
•
Do not pipe discharge to any location where freezing could
occur.
•
No valve may be installed between the relief valve and
heater or in the discharge line. Do not plug or place any
obstruction in the discharge line.
•
Test the operation of the relief valve after filling and
pressurizing the system by lifting the lever. Make sure the
valve discharges freely. If the valve fails to operate correctly,
immediately replace with a new properly rated relief valve.
•
Test T&P valve at least once annually to ensure the waterway
is clear. If valve does not operate, turn the heater “off” and
call a plumber immediately.
•
Take care whenever operating relief valve to avoid scalding
injury or property damage.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE GUIDELINES COULD
RESULT IN FAILURE OF RELIEF VALVE OPERATION, RESULTING
IN POSSIBILITY OF SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE, SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
