Water Heater Connection Options

[BrandonInIdaho]

Hi All,

I have 1" PEX that I need to connect a water heater to. I know there are some push to connect options for this but I am running into a length issue with those. For the cold water I need about a 24" length and about a 36" for the hot. The water heater has a 3/4" NPT which I think is pretty standard.

I am thinking of going with one of these for the valve
https://www.pexuniverse.com/1-pex-x-mpt-threaded-ball-valve-lead-free
https://www.pexuniverse.com/1-pex-threaded-brass-ball-valve-lead-free

Now here is where I get a little more unsure. I was wanting to use FALCON connecters and there are lots of options.

Option 1.
I think I could use an FF-24 (or 36). This is 3/4" FIP on both sides, so I think I would have to use a 1"NPT to 3/4"NPT nipple at the valve.

Option 2.
I use SWC1-24 (or 36). This is a 1"FIP on both sides, so I think I would have to use a 1"NPT to 3/4"NPT reducer/bushing at the hot water heater.

I like Option 2 as I think it would be a 'cleaner' looking installation and the restriction happens as close to the water heater as possible, but I am worried that I might get a leak with the bushing connection? FALCON hose is stainless, the bushing is probably brass, and the water heater is probably a galvanized pipe? Will the dissimilar materials cause a problem right at the water heater?

I think those hoses normally have a rubber seal in them that makes the connection water tight, with the reducer bushing I would have to use teflon tape from the water heater 3/4" NPT to the bushing and then the hose would seal on the bushing, will this work? Or is Option 1 the better option.... or is there a different way I should be doing it altogether?

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[Reach4]

IMO, running 1 inch PEX to your valve, optionally more PEX, and running 18-inch 3/4 Falcon connectors to your WH would be very good. Also, tee off for your thermal expansion tank, unless you have a well.

I would not run pex right to the WH, even if rules in your area allowed that. I am not a plumber.

1" SharkBite x 1" FNPT Ball Valve could be useful. Maybe you would find something that fit your needs better.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[BrandonInIdaho]

Hi Reach4,

Thanks for the response. I am thinking I need to clarify my question a little.

Can I use this bushing on the nipple of a water heater?

https://www.pexuniverse.com/1-x-3-4-brass-bushing-lead-free

So that I can use a 1" flex hose.

Or should I reduce the 1" pipe before the valve and use normal 3/4" flex hose?

 

[Reach4]

You could use that bushing, but the Falcon 3/4 is plenty big inside IMO. That bushing idea would seem helpful if you were using a connector with smaller diameter.

If you think about what will be involved when you change that WH in 20 years, moving the bushing (or getting a new bushing) seems like an extra step or so.

If the WH is new, I would try loosening the anode while the WH is new if you think you will ever want to pull the anode. They put those things much tighter than needed, and time+deposits tighten it even more. I would use PTFE tape on the reinstall, and only torque to maybe 15 or 20 ft-lb...

 

[Jadnashua]

Is the WH gas or electric? In general, you can't run PEX to a gas WH. Some don't want you to run it to an electric one. You need a length of approved material piping to transition that will act as a radiator in case the WH overheats. PEX is good for up to about 180-degrees. The T&P valve doesn't open until 210-degrees. Obviously, normal operations, it should never approach the PEX limits. On a gas WH, though, the exhaust to the flue can get pretty warm, which is why it can't be used there.

 

[BrandonInIdaho]

It is a gas water heater. I plan on using FALCON hose connectors in a length of 24" for the incoming cold and 36" for the hot. I think the PEX can't be closer than 18" so I should be good there. Really I am just trying to decide if I use a 1" hose with a 1" valve and reduce to 3/4" right at the water heater, or use a 3/4" hose with a 3/4" valve and reduce just before the valve... Or some combination of that.

 

[Terry]

The water heater has 3/4" nipples at the top? I would go with 3/4"