Whirlpool 140389 User Manual

7

Please note the following: 
• 

The system should be installed only with piping that is 
suitable for potable (drinkable) water such as copper, 
CPVC, or polybutylene. This water heater must not be 
installed using iron piping or PVC water piping.

• 

Use only pumps, valves, or fittings that are compatible 
with potable water.

• 

Use only full flow ball or gate valves. The use of valves 
that may cause excessive restriction to water flow is 
not recommended.  

• 

Use only 95/5 tin-antimony or other equivalent solder. 
Any lead based solder must not be used.

• 

Piping that has been treated with chromates, boiler 
seal, or other chemicals must not be used.

• 

Chemicals that may contaminate the potable water 
supply must not be added to the piping system.

Periodic discharge of the temperature and pressure relief 
valve may be due to thermal expansion in a closed water 
supply system. The water utility supply meter may contain a 
check valve, backflow preventer or water pressure reducing 
valve. This will create a closed water system. During 
the heating cycle of the water heater, the water expands 
causing pressure inside the water heater to increase. This 
may cause the temperature and pressure relief valve to 
discharge small quantities of hot water. To prevent this, it 
is recommended that a diaphragm-type expansion tank 
(suitable for potable water) be installed on the cold water 
supply line. The expansion tank must have a minimum 
capacity of 1.5 U.S. gallons for every 50 gallons of stored 
water. Contact the local water supplier or plumbing 
inspector for information on other methods to control this 
situation. 

IMPORTANT: Do not plug or remove the temperature and 
pressure relief valve.

For protection against excessive pressures and 
temperatures, a temperature and pressure relief valve must 
be installed in the opening marked “T & P RELIEF VALVE” 
(See Figure 9).

CAUTION:  To reduce the risk of excessive pressures 
and temperatures in this water heater, install temperature 
and pressure relief protective equipment required by local 
codes, but no less than a combination temperature and 
pressure relief valve certifi ed by a nationally recognized 
testing laboratory that maintains periodic inspection of the 
production of listed equipment or materials, as meeting 
the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Shutoff 

Figure 9
Temperature And Pressure
Relief Valve Installation

Optional Location
Some Models Only

Temperature And
Pressure Valve

Discharge Line
3/4 Inch Min.
Do Not Cap Or Plug

6 Inch
Maximum

Drain Pan

Drain