On Tuesday, 22 January 2013 09:43:02 UTC-5, bob haller wrote:

new hot water tanks come with a temp pressure valve pre installed, the
outlet should go to the floor to prevent a scald hazard if someone
happens to be walking by when it operates

Some jurisdictions require the pressure relief to be piped outdoors. Sounds like this is what the OP is looking at.

Chip C
Toronto