WAC 296-150V-1580   What requirements apply to water heater relief valves and safety devices?  (1) All water heaters must be installed with approved fully automatic valve or valves designed to provide temperature and pressure relief. Temperature and pressure relief valves must be tested and approved to ANSI Z21.22 standard or equal.

     (2) Any temperature relief valve or combined pressure and temperature relief valve installed for this purpose must have the temperature sensing element immersed in the hottest water within the upper six inches of the tank. It must be set to start relieving at a pressure of 150 psi or the rated working pressure of the tank, whichever is lower, and at or below a water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

     (3) Relief valves must be provided with full-sized drains. Drains must be directed to the exterior of the unit, exiting at least six inches above the ground, and must exhaust downward. Drain lines must be of a material approved for hot water distribution and must drain fully by gravity, must not be trapped, and must not have their outlets threaded.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.22 RCW. 99-18-069, § 296-150V-1580, filed 8/31/99, effective 10/1/99.]