Can someone tell me what this is and what it would be used for? I only have pictures I haven’t seen it in person yet.
Redneck expansion tank substitute. You’re not in Florida, are you 
Consider putting your location in your profile so others could help better. Was there a water heater with a storage tank? Do you have pics of it?
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Thanks, yes I’m in Florida and no storage tank on water heater.
If it’s used to control incoming water pressure, then it’s a poor substitute for a proper pressure reducer. Did you check static water pressure in the house?
I haven’t been to the home yet. I got the picture from the realtor. The homeowner is trying to double check Everything before I come I guess.
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A drain or bleeder for a lawn sprinkler system?
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See above regarding pressure relief valve. I was just informed while doing an inspecition on a newly constructed home in a subdivision put in by a high volume developer that they put these in because “Expansion tanks wear out every few years. These last much longer.” The person who told me that did not go into relative cost and when asked how long they last he said “years”. I’d love to have any suggestions on wording to include in my reports going forward.
I would ask a few random town AHJs to see if this is allowed in your area and form comments around that. It would not fly here. It’s in the IPC for my state (and possibly yours). Your profile does not state your location. A properly installed, well made in USA expansion tank will last 10-15 years, almost, if not, the life of a water heater. If the water is extremely corrosive then it will last less but so would the WH itself. The required ET is only around $40-60 in parts. IMO, it is moronic to use a relief valve and waste water ever single heating cycle. Maybe water is free where you guys are, but it is not here.
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