Is a relief-valve pipe terminating into a water leak catch pan permitted?

A relief-valve pipe that terminates into a water leak catch pan is not permitted due to safety concerns and proper plumbing practices. The purpose of a relief valve is to discharge water or steam in order to relieve excess pressure from a system, such as a water heater or boiler. If this discharge is directed into a catch pan, it poses potential hazards.

Firstly, directing discharge into a catch pan does not address the underlying issue of pressure build-up and can lead to failure in properly managing the expelled water or steam. If the catch pan fills up and overflows, it could cause water damage or create a slip hazard. Additionally, in instances where there is a malfunction with the relief valve, a catch pan does not provide a safe means of controlling the discharge, as it could allow for pooling of water that leads to corrosion or mold growth.

Furthermore, building codes and plumbing standards typically require that relief valves discharge in a manner that ensures proper drainage and does not create additional hazards. This usually means discharging directly to a drain or an acceptable outlet, ensuring that any excess pressure is safely and effectively handled. As a result, terminating a relief-valve pipe into a water leak catch pan is not in line with safety standards and plumbing codes.