by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:27 pm
The T&P relief valve discharge pipe is no longer allowed to go directly to the outside, and has been that way for a couple of code cycles.
Whether it is allowed to drain to the pan is a question I still have not gotten a definitive answer on, but common sense says no, the manufacturer of the water heater says not to let it set in water (and it will if any water from any source, such as the T&P, gets into the pan), and the plastic pans are not rated for use with T&P temperature water ...
... yet it is common practice to allow it in most AHJ, with only some not allowing it (in my opinion, the smart ones are thinking it out and not allowing it).
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired