CharlieG
New Member
A friend asked me to check an exterior "leaking pipe" extending from just above her foundation. It was a dripping 3/4 inch copper line directed downward and terminating just inches above a planting bed. Examination in the unfinished part of her basement revealed a connection to what appeared to be a standard TPR valve connected to the hot water line and situated about 20 feet from the water heater (which had its own properly installed and working TPR valve). The valve was at an intersection between two branches of the hot water line. One horizontal copper branch led into the finished portion of the basement, feeding the adjacent laundry room and the kitchen above. The other horizontal branch led into an old and fragile-looking galvanized pipe, feeding the basement's half bath. I opened and closed the valve several times to loosen any debris that may be preventing it from fully closing, but to no avail. My friend told me that when she bought the house several years ago, an inspector told her that the water pressure was very high. I suspect that the valve was installed at this intersection to additionally protect the fragile iron pipe branch from either the high incoming pressure or possible water hammer from the kitchen and laundry room appliances. If this is the case, should I simply install a pressure reducer valve on the main line from the street and eliminate the oddly placed TPR, or replace the TPR itself? I've assumed the TPR is faulty because the TPR on the water heater uphill from it is working properly and not leaking. I guess that also assumes that the odd TPR has the same pressure rating as the water heater's valve (I can't see the valve's tag because it is too close to the basement ceiling). Any help is appreciated.
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