American Water Heater 316888-004 - Manual (Page 20)

20 www.americanwaterheater.com
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed
directly into the fi tting of the water heater designed for the
relief valve. Must terminate a maximum of 6 in. (15cm)
above a fl oor drain or external to the building. In cold
climates, it is recommended that the discharge pipe be
terminated at an adequate drain inside the building. Be
certain that no contact is made with any live electrical part.
The discharge opening must not be blocked or reduced
in size under any circumstances. Excessive length, over
30 ft. (9.14m), or use of more than four elbows can cause
restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve
(see Figures 3 & 19).
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the
relief valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to
discharge drain unless a 6 in. (15cm) air gap is provided.
To prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage,
the relief valve must be allowed to discharge water in
quantities should circumstances demand. If the discharge
pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable means,
the water fl ow may cause property damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
• Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size
of the valve, or have any reducing couplings or other
restrictions.
• Shall not be plugged or blocked.
• Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.
• Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of
both the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the
discharge pipe.
• Shall terminate a maximum of 6 in. (15cm) above a fl oor
drain or external to the building. In cold climates, it is
recommended that the discharge line be terminated at
an adequate drain inside the building.
• Shall not have any valve between the relief valve and
tank.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually
operated at least once a year, (see Figure 17). Caution
should be taken to ensure that (1) no one is in front of or
around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve
discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged will
not cause any bodily injury or property damage because
the water may be extremely hot.
FIGURE 17
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately close
the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief
valve with a new one.
T&P Valve and Pipe Insulation (if supplied)
Remove insulation for T&P valve and pipe connections
from carton.
FIGURE 18
Fit pipe insulation over the incoming cold water line and
the hot water line. Make sure that the insulation is against
the top cover of the heater. Fit T&P valve insulation over
valve. Make sure that the insulation does not interfere with
the lever of the T&P valve.
Secure all insulation using tape.