Hot Water Heater: Flexible water lines vs Soldered connection?

[PrecisionPlum]

I am used to soldered pipe connections for water heaters, but what are your
thoughts on using the flexible stainless steel FIP to make the connections?

Up side of the flexible piping:
Easier to make the connection
Easier change out of the water heater in the future

Down side of flexible piping:
Can you teach an old dog a new trick?


Upside of soldered piping:
Locks the water heater in place
The way it has always been done

Down side of soldered piping:
Better plumbing skills to make the connections

 

[Twowaxhack]

I believe they’re required in earthquake zones.

I use hard pipe copper connections 99.9% of the time. They’re simply more reliable.

 

[JG plumbing]

Depends on the situation. I like hard soldered pipe. But in a hurry late night situation or temporarily or earthquake (as stated) the flex connections are fine. Kind like a sharkbite in my opinion. Temporary or a situation where you need to reuse.

 

[FishScreener]

As said, if your in a seismic zone,, they have to be there. In an earth quake things bounce around. Sometimes a lot. If you are hard piped, it can snap, and then you not only have to deal with the things that fell of the shelf, you have to figure out how to shut the water off.