O.K. to plumb PEX directly off electric DWH?

Blll

O.K. to plumb PEX directly off electric DWH?

Larry Weingarten

hmmm

Why does this idea make me uncomfortable?  With gas heaters you need 18" between the PEX and heater to clear the flue, but there might be some heat dissipated through a metal connection that would temper the heat PEX would see, regardless of how the heater heats.  Also a union of some sort is good practice and a standard flex connector provides it at little cost.  I think outfits like Souix Chief do make connectors, but to hook up directly, I'd want the PEX manufacturer's OK.  What would a code official think?  Do let us know what you find out!



Yours,  Larry

zacmobile

flexies

In Canada the code states that you need 18" metallic piping before transitioning to pex for either gas or elect.  however I have seen many that go pex directly off of an electric tank and the inspector doesn't bat an eye. I always use the corrugated copper or braided flexes that Larry mentions. as to whether it is "OK" it's obviously more better than gas but I still wouldn't do it.