PEX on Electric HWT

[Plumber69]

Yes or no? I understand gas tank may be issue

 

[JohnCT]

Not sure of your local code, but I'd plumb in copper for a few feet at the very least before the transition to PEX. In my house, I used copper to the basement ceiling joists before going to PEX. Also, make sure you use a proper mixing valve off the HW source in copper before the transition.

John

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

18 inches of corrugated copper or corrugated stainless connectors between the WH and the PEX would be a good idea, even if not required.

Also, some area will let you use PEX or CPVC for the T&P valve output, and others will not.

 

[Tughillrzr]

Pretty sure our requirements is 18” as well. I stay away from ss flex lines .hard pipe it only. Had one line leak/ burst in an apt and tenant never said anything for a week. I think I hear water spraying in basement... 20k in damage later . Was Like a sauna down there

 

[Reach4]

ss flex lines

Let's distinguish corrugated stainless from braided stainless, which has a rubber tube inside.

Like "silicone", stainless connector line can mean various things. I tend to think of silicone grease, and you think of silicone sealant, and a cook thinks of a cooking mat, and a ....... thinks .. .

 

[wwhitney]

I don't see the need for it on an electric tank water heater. Is any part of the tank going to exceed the temperature of the water? If the PEX is rated to carry the water temperature, what's the problem?

UPC 604.13 prohibits PEX and PE from the first 18" attached to any water heater, without regard to water heater type. I looked for something similar in the IPC and the plumbing portion of the IRC. I didn't find anything, but I think I may have missed something.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Tughillrzr]

Let's distinguish corrugated stainless from braided stainless, which has a rubber tube inside.

Like "silicone", stainless connector line can mean various things. I tend to think of silicone grease, and you think of silicone sealant, and a cook thinks of a cooking mat, and a ....... thinks .. .

Yes braided ss lines

 

[JohnCT]

I don't see the need for it on an electric tank water heater. Is any part of the tank going to exceed the temperature of the water?

I haven't seen it happen, but I've heard of a thermostat sticking and causing the pressure valve to open. A anti-scald mixing valve is a code requirement in my town even with an electric WH, perhaps for that reason.

John