Do I need special extended fittings to connect PEX to my hot water heater or can I just run the PEX straight to it with cut-off valves on the incoming side? I see the flexible copper fittings for sale but have gotten mixed messages regarding their utility. I do know I want to avoid a galvanic reaction where the plumbing fitting connects to the galvanized nipple on the HW heater.
Bill
Replies
18" minimum distance from pex to connections on water heater.
Does that galvanized nipple have a plastic lining on the inside, then it could be an insulating nipple.
I have installed more copper flex connectors than I can actually remember, do not get the ones that have a soldered style connector.
Get the ones that have a union nut on each end.
Pex manufacturers recommend an 18" separation from the inlet and outlet of the wtaer heater.
You can do this with the flexible copper or flexible stainless steel connectors. Galvanic corrosion will not be a problem because the connector ends are actually dielectric connections--there's a plastic collar between the nut that contacts the water heater nipple and the copper of the connector; the seal between the nipple and the flared end of the copper is made with a neoprene washer, similar to a hose washer.