On Jun 26, 4:21*am, "sinister" wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

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On Jun 25, 11:05 am, Wayne Whitney wrote:
On 2008-06-25, sinister 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.

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

Is there any technical sense to the term _safe_ drain?

I don't see a floor drain in that part of the basement. *How likely is it
that a PRV is going to operate and let out tons of water?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

It happens. They do stick open but the most common is a failure to
close all the way with a constant leak until replaced. Mostly it is
just a drip rather than a stream.

As for your installation: I can't see one being terminated in the AC
drain line. The only ones I have seen are small diameter tubing that
is not rated for hot water.

Harry K