I’m setting up my natural gas outlets for the appliances in my garage – dryer and water heater.
When I was back in NW Suburbs of Chicago area, I had the gas company come out and do the gas hookup to the water heater I had installed. The woman who came out removed the yellow flex line I had set up ready to go, and instead continued 1/2″ black steel pipe from the ball valve into the water heater. Lots of elbows and short pieces were used, it wasn’t pretty but it was sure solid. She said that they (the gas company) did not like using flex if they didn’t have to, as it can be damaged more easily than solid pipe.
Now I’m in SoCal. I was planning on running solid lines again for my water heater and dryer… but I’m not sure if this is going to freak out my inspector or not.
Flex is normally done… but then again it’s normally done by the big box installers. Is a solid line to a mounted appliance, like a furnace, water heater, and in my case dryer a looney idea or an actual industry practice?
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Replies
It's a regional thing: I _think_ SoCAL wants flex for, well, some flexibility when things shake rattle and roll, but check with your local code folks.
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& some regions are strange.
While visiting my brother in Lousiana ( ofcourse he had to put me to work) I repiped his pizza oven from flex to hard pipe per the inspector------- The pizza oven was on wheels.
You really need to check local codes. Generally for appliances that do not move the gas line is hard piped, for example a water heater or cooktop. For an appliance that must be moved for cleaning or service, such as a pull out range or a clothes dryer, a flex is used. Flex is never permitted to pass through a wall or floor.
In California, with earthquakes nearly certain the codes may be different. For example, in an earthquake a water heater can topple over, breaking off the water and gas lines. The top of the water heater should be very securely fastened to the building structure to prevent this. As for the gas connection I'm sure experts have determined what the best method is and written that into the code.
Actually, the water heater needs two connections to structure, top and bottom.
I guess I'll be calling them on Monday.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
call and check the local ...
I thing Cali/earthquake codes call for flex lines and strapping the appliances in place.
I think there's even right/wrong ways of strapping them tight.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa