Hot Water Drain Line To Approved Discharge Point
A hot water drain line is an important add-on for storage hot water system installations where the expansion control valve, pressure relief valve or safe tray drain needs to discharge water to an approved location.
During normal operation, storage hot water systems can release small amounts of water through the relief or expansion valves as the water heats and expands. This water must not simply run onto the ground, against the slab, into garden beds or across termite management systems. It should be directed to an approved discharge point such as sewer, stormwater, a compliant rubble pit or another suitable discharge location confirmed during installation.
This add-on service is for running a drain line from the hot water system to an approved discharge point as part of an eligible hot water installation.
Why A Drain Line May Be Needed
Storage hot water units naturally create expansion water as part of normal heating. Depending on the system, site layout and valve arrangement, this water may come from the expansion control valve, temperature pressure relief valve or safe tray drain.
If this water is not managed correctly, it can cause issues around the installation area, including:
Water pooling around the base of the hot water system
Moisture against walls, slabs, pathways or foundations
Water discharging into garden beds or soft ground
Dilution or disturbance of termite barriers and treated zones
Staining, mould or damp areas near the unit
Uncontrolled runoff across outdoor areas
A correctly run drain line helps move this discharge water away from the unit and toward a suitable approved location.
Approved Discharge Points
Drain lines must be run to an approved discharge point. Depending on the property, this may include:
Sewer drainage
Stormwater drainage
A compliant rubble pit
An existing approved tundish or drain point
Another suitable discharge point confirmed by the installer
The correct option depends on the property layout, local requirements, access, ground conditions and the location of the hot water system. The installer will assess the site and determine whether the selected discharge point is suitable.
Important Termite Barrier Note
Hot water discharge water should not be left to run continuously into soil, garden beds or directly around the building perimeter. In some properties, this can affect termite management zones or dilute treated areas if the water is not directed correctly.
Where a termite barrier, treated zone or termite management system may be present, the drain line should be positioned so discharge water is directed to a suitable approved location rather than soaking the area around the slab or external wall.
What This Add-On Includes
Running a drain line from the hot water system area to a suitable approved discharge point
Connection to the relevant hot water valve where required
Basic pipework and fittings needed for the drain line run
Installer assessment of the most suitable nearby approved discharge point
Neat routing where practical based on site access and layout
What Is Not Included
This add-on does not include major excavation, concrete cutting, core drilling, trenching, new sewer or stormwater works, pump systems, electrical work, termite treatment, repairs to existing drainage, landscaping, reinstatement work or concealed pipework unless specifically quoted and approved.
If the site requires additional work beyond a standard drain line run, this can be assessed during installation and quoted separately where available.
Installation Only Add-On
This product is an add-on service only and must be purchased with an eligible supplied-and-installed hot water system installation. It is not available as a standalone supply-only product.
Suitability
This add-on may be suitable when:
The new hot water system needs a relief valve, expansion valve or safe tray drain connected to a discharge point
The existing drain line is missing, damaged, poorly positioned or non-compliant
Water currently discharges onto the ground, garden bed, slab edge or near a termite barrier
The new installation location requires a drain line to be run to sewer, stormwater or a rubble pit
The installer determines that a new or improved drain line is required for the installation
Final site suitability
Final suitability depends on the property layout, available discharge points, access, existing plumbing and local compliance requirements. The installer will confirm the best practical option during the installation.