water dripping into drain behind hot water heater

[mderren]

hey guys i'm new here and i need some help

behind my hot water heater is a small drain which essentially just seems to be a hole in the ground with three pipes leading to it

the pipe in question is small about a quarter inch in diameter and after following it up from the floor it seems to originate from the main line leading into the house, i discovered this by twisting a few valves to see what happens and the problem went away after i shut off the incoming valve

i'm trying to figure out if this is normal, or if it is not what i need to do to correct it?

i'm assuming that this incoming line goes nowhere except back to the main line for the house, since it has to be run thru the hot water heater?

 

[phishfood]

The only thing that comes to mind is the temperature and pressure relief valve, but that should not be 1/4" pipe. Standard size is 3/4", 1/4" is dangerously undersized. Could you possibly post a picture?

 

[majakdragon]

That size line sounds more like an overflow pipe for a furnace mounted humidifier.

 

[leatherlung]

Also, could be some sort of trap primer, but it would only run continuously if defective. Need some pictures.

 

[plumbtired]

Maybe old line for ice maker. Easiest way in. Only time i ever use 1/4" line.

 

[mderren]

here's some pictures if it helps

these pictures follow the pipe up from the floor drain towards the ceiling

 

[Mr_David]

Don't see any picture. Just 3 little X's

 

[plumbtired]

You said up to ceiling. Is your furnace/ heat in your attic?

 

[leatherlung]

Hmmmmm, ghost pics. Must be a halloween thing.