A water heater's temperature and pressure relief valve may discharge into a drain pan made of suitable material for what?

The temperature and pressure relief valve in a water heater is designed to protect the system from excessive pressure and temperature. When the valve discharges, it releases hot water that can potentially be scalding. Therefore, any drain pan that collects this discharge must be made of a material that is capable of withstanding high temperatures without degrading or causing damage.

Hot water, as it discharges from the valve, can reach temperatures that may exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the settings of the water heater. Given this, a drain pan made of suitable material for hot water is essential to ensure safety and functionality. This might consist of materials like metal or certain high-temperature plastics that can safely handle the elevated temperatures without warping or melting.

Other options such as cooled water, condensed vapor, or chilled water do not pertain to the primary function of the relief valve, which deals exclusively with the high-temperature, high-pressure conditions that can occur within the water heater. Therefore, it is imperative that the material chosen for the drain pan is specifically suited for handling the hot water safely.