Ask the Expert

ANSWER:

The answer is no. The pressure relief valve and piping is one of the most important plumbing fixtures in a home, as it is designed as a safety valve for the water heater. Tying in the water softener to that tube would not only create an illegal cross connection of liquids from two different water sources, but also create a very dangerous situation if both fixtures discharged at the same time. This could have a serious effect on the water heater, creating a potential explosion situation.

Expert's Bio

Jim Jennette is an expert in the plumbing industry and works at the Mr. Rooter Corporation. With more than 20 years of plumbing experience, he is knowledgeable in many areas including installation of plumbing, piping and fixtures. Jim is also skilled in garbage disposals, water heaters and boilers as well as pipe bursting and relining, which is new technology to replace broken underground piping without digging up yards and sidewalks. Before operating a full-service plumbing shop for 15 years, Jim was an educator of English students. He now coaches Mr. Rooter franchise owners in every aspect of their businesses as a franchise consultant, a position he’s had for five years. Jim’s extensive knowledge and resources give him the tools to tackle any plumbing issue or question.