Gas supply lines to water heaters.

[dkoehl]

We have been seeing those small gray flex lines feeding some of the water heaters we have inspected. These are not the alum. type that are an older design. These appear to be 3/8 gray flex coated lines usually going from the shutoff to the heater valve. We are needing any feedback regarding if these types of lines are still apporved. We have been reading coments questioning what constutes proper supply tail from the shut off valve to the the water haeater control. Thank you for your help.

Dave

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by dkoehl

We have been seeing those small gray flex lines feeding some of the water heaters we have inspected. These are not the alum. type that are an older design. These appear to be 3/8 gray flex coated lines usually going from the shutoff to the heater valve. We are needing any feedback regarding if these types of lines are still apporved. We have been reading coments questioning what constutes proper supply tail from the shut off valve to the the water haeater control. Thank you for your help.

Dave

Dave,

Do you have a picture and any of the markings that are on the gas line?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

An appliance connector? Like this?

[dkoehl]

The ones on the water heater looked like that but was smaller.

Thanks Joe.

[gkoehl]

here are some pictures of the type of gas line in question.

The sliver ring reads:
"Appliance Connector MFD. By Brass-Craft MFG. CO. INC. accepted N.Y.C.bldg dept. MEA 52- m"

[Dustin Racine]

Not sure about the codes in your jurisdiction, but up here u can use flexible appliance connectors for bbq's, stoves, etc. Any appliance which may need to be removed, replaced, or serviced regularly. If a dryer for example was "hard piped" with black iron, when u went to replace/remove it you would have a hell of a time. However, hot water heaters and furnaces must be piped with black iron in a permanent manner, u can only use a flexible connector for temporary heat on a furance during construction. Radiant tube heaters, on the other hand, aren't allowed to be hard piped, they come with a certified connector, this is because often times they are found in shops where trucks and equipment are being moved around regulary, they want to ensure if equipment comes into contact with the tube heater it won't snap the gasline.