PEX connections at water heater

Can PEX supply lines be attached directly to an electrical water heater or is a minimum clearance recommended by manufacturer due to heat (cannot figure out how to attach photo to post). Thx.

Not allowed within 18 inches of water heater.

http://www.toolbase.org/PDF/DesignGuides/pex_designguide.pdf

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=pex+connection+to+water+heater&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Hle-S-3BPIP_ngfsxoC5Cg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCQQrQQwAg

PS… only members can attach photos.

The Design Guide states “PEX tubing may be directly connected to residental electric water heaters, if the local code or manufacturer’s instructions allow” (Ch. 9, p.78)

Code guys here don’t say much about it.

PEX allows a direct connection to an electric water heater in Canada but not in the US last time I checked…

Use water heater manufacturer’s instructions as a guideline.

Hi James,

I just looked at Giant and GSW installation instructions and no mention of pex or for that matter any piping material.