Water Heater Connections?

[fred1949]

I notice that more ads are showing water heater connections for the hot & cold being done with these flexible ( stainless mesh with a inner lining)connectors. These are the ones simular that are now being used for the supply lines for toilets & sinks. My question is will these outlast the water heater which they connect to or should a water heater be plumbed in the usual manner? The reason I would prefer the screw on type is typically a water heater only lasts 5 to 7 years here & the replacement is usually a different height. By using the flexible lines I could just unscrew the old & screw on the new one. Of course I would still need to do the wiring & the safety valve. I do not want to use something that would not at least outlast the water heater.

[LazyPup]

In my estimation you have the right string but the wrong yoyo.

While that stainless steel braid certainly gives the illusion of being the strongest material available what they don't tell you is that under the stainless steel braid is a neoprene rubber hose. The braid does give it the best protection against a blowout, but given that all residential water distribution systems are limited to a maximum of 85psi the likelyhood of a blowout is slim to none.

In my personal opinion a much better solution is to use the 3/4" corrugated copper flex lines with a 3/4"NPT Female pipe thread on the water heater end and a 5/8" or 7/8" compression fitting on the pipe end. (NOTE-5/8" compression fits on 1/2" copper pipe and 7/8" compression fits on 3/4" copper pipe)

Keep in mind that you will still be required to install the dielectric nipples between the tank and the copper line, but given that many water heater companies are now supplying the dielectric nipples with the new water heaters that should not present a problem.

Also when using the flex line the compression fitting on the pipe end meets the code requirement for a union on the supply line.

[fred1949]

Thank you for the info.

Fred