A hot water heater, gas or electric, requires a drain on the temperature pressure relief valve. And, when a water heater is inside a home, it is best if there is a drain pan under the tank and, we hope, a drain to outside. Both of those things were present in the photo below. So what is the defect? The defect is that the TPR drain, the copper tubing, is bottomed out on the bottom of the drain pan. One thing an inspector looks for is possible cross-connections. This is a subtle one, but this drain should end ABOVE the flood rim of the drain pan. Getting it higher by just a few inches ought to do the job. In the realm of repairs, not such a difficult job. Wish they were all that easy! Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
This is great to know and something to look for at our pre-listing appointment. Love these tips!
Diane
Besides being below the flood rim it is unlikely that the drain could discharge fully. A plan ahead moment perhaps?
I agree with Charlie. Minor faux pax by the plumber I suppose...
Helping you live your American dream...
Glad to see an inspector explaining a small defect as such and not just saying it is wrong and needs a plumber to fix.
Mike,
When something is easy and safe to fix, I try to let the clients know that. No point in making a big flap that worries everyone over so little.
Very true Steven, no need to make mountains out of mole hills.
Steve - not only do I have the tubes that hit the bottom of the pan, but that the pan has no drain itself! It is just sitting there...