Water heater connections: copper vs stainless
#1
09-06-19, 04:57 PM
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Water heater connections: copper vs stainless
Do pros have a preference when it comes to water heater connectors? Is the consensus for the old school corrugated copper types, or the braided stainless? Thanks.
Top Answer
09-06-19, 05:11 PM
Group Moderator
I'm not really a plumber but I change water heaters and I'm old school and use copper pipe.
Keep in mind that flex is rubber hose with a stainless braid over it.
I don't think I'd use that for continuous hot water like from a water heater.
Keep in mind that flex is rubber hose with a stainless braid over it.
I don't think I'd use that for continuous hot water like from a water heater.
#2
09-06-19, 05:11 PM
Group Moderator
I'm not really a plumber but I change water heaters and I'm old school and use copper pipe.
Keep in mind that flex is rubber hose with a stainless braid over it.
I don't think I'd use that for continuous hot water like from a water heater.
Keep in mind that flex is rubber hose with a stainless braid over it.
I don't think I'd use that for continuous hot water like from a water heater.
#4
09-07-19, 03:21 AM
Group Moderator
I use PEX for connecting to water heaters. If your house has rigid piping then I would use corrugated copper to allow slight movement of the heater without straining the plumbing.
#5
09-07-19, 08:18 AM
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Thanks everyone. BTW, I notice that BrassCraft makes a 'polymer' braided connector which I assume is PEX with FIP. Also there are corrugated stainless connectors now. Anybody ever use those?
#6
09-08-19, 07:53 AM
Super Moderator
depends on heater. If gas you must use copper.. The flue will melt the pipes if not.
And even on electric heaters, code dictates 12"-18" rigid copper pipe before transitioning to Pex, or CPVC and the like..
And even on electric heaters, code dictates 12"-18" rigid copper pipe before transitioning to Pex, or CPVC and the like..
#7
09-12-19, 09:00 AM
Member
depends on heater. If gas you must use copper.. The flue will melt the pipes if not.
I brought that issue up 8 years ago on a house my niece was buying, pex pipe was direct connected to the gas water heater. I was told that was how everyone did it in that area. Of course, no codes or inspections in that small farming community. I am more like PJ, I use hard copper only.
#8
09-20-19, 12:03 PM
I have braided stainless here on my EWH,......about 12 inches........which then transitions to copper. Not sure why other than the space above the unit is quite small. Located in Ontario. Wonder what the code here is.
#9
07-03-21, 08:58 PM
I didn't know about the heat factor with stainless lines next to the flue. Good to know as I wanted to use them with my gas WH. I was reading the hoses at HD the other day, and the stainless ones are rated to 160 deg F. Recommended WH settings is 120 so temp wise...should be ok.
So here's my experience
copper corrugated from HD - 4.5 years had a nasty leak on the hot water side. soaked the laundry room since my tenants didn't tell me until a 1/2 day later.
copper corrugated Eastman brand - 5 years, just noticed the pipe was green cold water side and one drop on the side. So looks like time to replace.
It's just so disappointing the quality is so bad these days....
So here's my experience
copper corrugated from HD - 4.5 years had a nasty leak on the hot water side. soaked the laundry room since my tenants didn't tell me until a 1/2 day later.
copper corrugated Eastman brand - 5 years, just noticed the pipe was green cold water side and one drop on the side. So looks like time to replace.
It's just so disappointing the quality is so bad these days....
#10
07-03-21, 10:34 PM
Group Moderator
Regardless of the temperature rating on a stainless steel flex line I wouldn't recommend them for direct connection on a water heater.
What's the problem with using copper pipe ?
What's the problem with using copper pipe ?
CasualJoe
voted this post useful.
