Installation Guide
DO NOT CONNECT ELECTRICAL
WIRING UNTIL YOU ARE
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
NOTICE: Connec ng electrical power 
to the tank before it is completely 
full of water (water must run FULL 
STREAM from a hot water tap for a full 
three minutes) will cause the upper 
hea ng element to burn out.
Connect the Tempera-
ture and Pressure (T&P) 
Relief Valve/Pipe
Most T&P Relief Valves are pre-installed 
at the factory. In some cases, they are 
shipped in the carton and must be 
installed in the opening marked and 
provided for this purpose and according 
to local codes. 
WARNING!  To avoid serious injury 
or death from explosion, install a T&P 
Relief Valve according to the following 
instruc ons:
1
If your water heater does not 
have a factory installed T&P 
Relief Valve, install the new 
T&P Relief Valve that came with your 
water heater. Do not reuse an old T&P 
Relief Valve. Install a T&P Relief Valve 
discharge pipe according to local codes 
and the following guidelines:
• The discharge pipe should be at least 
3/4” inside diameter and sloped for 
proper drainage. Install it to allow 
complete drainage of both the T&P 
Relief Valve and the discharge pipe.
• The discharge pipe must withstand 
250°F (121°C) without distor on. Use 
only copper or CPVC pipe. Do not 
use any other type of pipe, such as 
PVC, iron, fl exible plas c pipe, or any 
type of hose. 
• Terminate the discharge pipe a maxi-
mum of six inches above a fl oor drain 
or outside the building. Do not drain 
the discharge pipe into the drain 
pan; instead pipe it separately to 
an adequate drain. In cold climates, 
terminate the discharge pipe inside 
the building to an adequate drain. 
Outside drains could freeze and 
obstruct the drain line. Protect the 
drain from freezing. 
• Do not place any valve or other re-
stric on between the tank and T&P 
Relief Valve. Do not cap, block, plug, 
or insert any valve between the T&P 
Relief Valve and the end of the dis-
charge pipe. Do not insert or install 
any reducer in the discharge pipe.
Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 11
Step 5:
The T&P Relief Valve discharge pipe must be in-
stalled properly and piped to an adequate drain.
The end of the T&P Relief Valve discharge pipe 
must stop no more than six inches above a fl oor 
drain or outside.
DISCHARGE 
PIPE
DRAIN
PIPE
INSTALLATION










