True or False: A temperature and pressure relief valve shall discharge to the outside atmosphere if a floor drain is not accessible.

True or False: A temperature and pressure relief valve shall discharge to the outside atmosphere if a floor drain is not accessible.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) safely vents excess heat or pressure. The discharge from this valve must be directed to an approved, safe location where the hot water can be released without causing scalding or water damage, and without obstructing the path. Saying it must discharge to the outside atmosphere if a floor drain isn’t accessible is not correct. The code requires an approved discharge path, which may be a floor drain if one is accessible or another acceptable drainage route, including a proper outdoor termination, as allowed by the installation and local code. The important point is providing a safe, unblocked path, not automatically routing to the outdoors just because a floor drain isn’t available.

The key idea is how a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) safely vents excess heat or pressure. The discharge from this valve must be directed to an approved, safe location where the hot water can be released without causing scalding or water damage, and without obstructing the path.

Saying it must discharge to the outside atmosphere if a floor drain isn’t accessible is not correct. The code requires an approved discharge path, which may be a floor drain if one is accessible or another acceptable drainage route, including a proper outdoor termination, as allowed by the installation and local code. The important point is providing a safe, unblocked path, not automatically routing to the outdoors just because a floor drain isn’t available.