Recently during several new build inspections, I’ve been noticing the TPR valves on outdoor tankless water heaters are painted. I haven’t seen much literature on this, but from what little information I have seen online, it sounds like it is not recommended. Although the standards of water heater TPR installations do not appear to cover this. Here’s an example from today’s inspection. I don’t believe this would pose any concern, but maybe if the whole valve was painted, it could seize up some of the internal mechanisms and prevent the valve from opening? I’d be very interested to hear everybody’s thoughts on this.
Paint on the piping and valve body wouldn’t concern me. But my question is, if this is an outdoor unit, why does it look like the piping comes out and then goes back into the wall? Have any better pics?
Not worried about the paint. Ugly, but whatever.
However I’ve seen the TPR stem rust in Solar hot water applications: rendering the TPR inoperative or making it stick on operation. These things don’t seem to be outdoor rated.
First here are you located as your State SOP (if you have one) might cover something like this in general terms. I’ve found at least 2 - 3 Aaron Peterson Inspectors on a basic search. BTW if you are in Texas (one location) TREC does require you add your license number on your posts.
Next I write up every valve I encounter that has been painted and/or textured on. On new builds I advise to have the Builder clean and test the valve to ensure no damage has occurred. See so many PRV’s this way. You can not tell if the paint or texture has affected them and won’t until they are manually manipulated or fail.
I was looking at this more and now I think it makes slightly more sense. I bet the tankless unit is in the upper right, just out of frame of the picture. The red arrow is the main hot water supply to the building.
Then the TPR drain pipe (green arrow) goes into the wall where I wouldn’t doubt if it connects (improperly) into a condensate drain that comes to the outdoors. But maybe it just goes down and back out on its own. Either way, waste of effort.
@bcawhern1 : consider this is outside, and the valve is likely only indoor rated. The paint I agree with as a non-issue and stupidly common in sale preparation. They do so much damage to houses with paint prior to sale…
