The photo below is different. This is the temperature pressure relief valve from a hot water heater. It is on an on-demand gas water heater. These animals are different than a regular tank, however they still require a TPR valve and that valve and a drain line need to meet the general code guidelines for a TPR valve. What does that mean? Well, the valve and drain line must drain in a visible location. Why? So if it is discharging water people will realize there is a problem with the system.
A TPR valve, being an emergency device, will not hold up if it is mechanically working all the time. If it freezes up, it is crisis time. Also, in a case such as this, if it discharges it will dump water into the crawl space, hidden from view to everyone. Again, a bad situation. This installation does not meet code.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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