What to do if Your Drain Pipe is Higher than the Relief Valve?

relief valve drawing blue green background

Who may have this problem?

• Condo or landed owners
• If contractor built the drain point too low in false ceiling

The Problem

• When storage heaters work, they drip water (like an aircon)
• So they need a drainage point
• Drain point needs to be lower than the heater relief valve.
Drain Pipe Higher Than Relief Valve the problem heater flow upwards
If water can't flow out from the relief valve, pressure can't be released.

If pressure can't be released, the heater tank will be damaged.
wrong installation drain pipe too high drip water false ceiling
• The relief valve is a safety device.
• It is fixed at the cold water pipe
• The valve cannot be lower than the drainage

Why? Because water cannot flow upwards.

The Solution

Drain Pipe Higher Than Relief Valve solution heater downward facing drainage tube
• Run the cold water pipe above the drain point location
• Attach the relief valve to the highest cold pipe position.
• Connect the tube (green) in a downward direction to the drain pipe
• Now your drain pipe is working

Conclusion

Normal installation methods are good for normal sites.

But if you are stuck, think outside the box.

As water heater experts, we can use our experience to create options for you.

Have a question? Drop us a message or give us call.
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Creative Solutions

The installation was done well despite the fact that the HDB given outlet was not in the best condition. The water temperature has also remained consistent even when both showers are being used at the same time. Thank you Kalam and Shamemul for doing a great job with the installation.
Rakhshan Ariffin google
Rakhshan Ariffin
Google review
What truly sets [AOS] apart is their willingness to go the extra mile to find solutions and alternatives. Despite encountering initial obstacles with a partition wall that seemed impossible to mount the water heater on, they persevered and managed to successfully install it. This demonstrates their dedication and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
Afzal-HMN-google-review
Afzal H.M.N
Google review

Drain Pipe FAQ

What heaters require a drain pipe?
Water heaters that require a drain pipe are typically those that need to expel water due to condensation or pressure relief. These include:

1. Storage Water Heaters
2. Heat Pump Water Heaters
3. Solar Water Heaters
If your contractor did not provide a drain pipe for a water heater that requires one, you may face several issues, depending on the heater type:

1. Water Damage & Leaks
water can pool around the unit, leading to mold, corrosion, or electrical issues.
2. Voided Warranty

Failure to have a proper drainage may damage your water heater tank, voiding its warranty

It is important to engage someone to fix a drain pipe as soon as possible.

Older HDB with water heaters installed inside the shower (wet) area of the bathroom do not need a drain pipe. The design is so that the relief valve drips into the shower area.
It is normal room temperature water. In Singapore, this is around 30ºC. You are at no risk of getting scalded or burnt.

This is why even though some relief valves are designed to drip into wet areas of the bathroom, it is 100% safe.

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