NYC Hot Water Heater - Flex Pipe OK?

BrooklynBrownstoner

Installing a 15,000 btu replacement gas hot water heater in a 1 family building in NYC. The old installation uses rigid water and gas connections. Can I replace these with flex connections? Would make the job much easier for me and for later replacement.

Same make/model as old unit. Same dimensions.

RobG

I don't have a clue weather it is legal or not in your locale but I would pipe it in copper and if future replacement is an issue just use ball valves and unions on the piping.

JohnNY

Flexible water and vent connectors/pipe are not compliant under NYC Code.

John Cataneo, NYC Licensed Master Plumber #1784

icesailor

I think that in California, they are required because of earthquakes. But you have to strap the water heater.

In Florida, they've forgotten how to direct pipe/connect water heaters. Stainless Steel direct connects on water heaters is what you see. An inspector might be troubled if he/she saw a piped water heater. Especially if done in Type "L" Copper. Type "M" (Red) is the norm and even when underground. Or so I've seen some "Pro's" around here.

jonny88

In all honesty and no offence intended if you are wotking in an 8 family apt and asking that question I take it you dont have a NYC licence.How is your insurance.Ask JohnNY how hard it is to obtain the lic and everything that goes with it.In the city at least for the company I worked for we never did work for the sake of making it easier.Be careful with what you do.Again no offense intended.

hatchet

anything other than a owner occupied single family home requires a license to do plumbing & electrical work. Also, even when work other than this takes place you still need a contractor registration. Please, don't put yourself or your tenants lives at risk & hire a licensed plumber.
Also, the flex connectors are not code in NY.

JohnNY

What gas water heater is "15,000 btu"?

jonny88

Wonder how he made out?