Water heater supply lines.
- Thread starter Caboose
- Start date
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I myself prefer the stainless steel braided supply lines.
Jeff Handy
Pro Handyman, NOT A Pro Plumber
The heat from the vent can eventually degrade the lining inside some braided supply lines.
Mitchell-DIY-Guy
Well-Known Member
The corrugated copper are probably the least resistant to degradation, per @Jeff Handy
The "stainless steel braided" are probably the easiest to install as they are the most flexible.
Regardless of which you choose, my own opinion is two fold:
1. Take the opportunity to add shutoffs both IN (cold) and OUT (hot) to the tank. If you have a tank professionally installed, in all likelihood it only has a shutoff on the cold-in. Having both allows you to completely isolate the tank and makes the eventual replacement much easier and less messy.
2. Avoid compression fittings. In the numerous times I've encountered these, the compression ring is so tight, and the pipe so compressed that it was damaged; at the end that the only solution was to cut the mess off. Use push fittings if you have to (some of the tank supply lines come with them built in) or if you have the ability, sweat some MPT threaded fittings on to the ends of the supply pipes, and use appropriate screw-type lines.
The "stainless steel braided" are probably the easiest to install as they are the most flexible.
Regardless of which you choose, my own opinion is two fold:
1. Take the opportunity to add shutoffs both IN (cold) and OUT (hot) to the tank. If you have a tank professionally installed, in all likelihood it only has a shutoff on the cold-in. Having both allows you to completely isolate the tank and makes the eventual replacement much easier and less messy.
2. Avoid compression fittings. In the numerous times I've encountered these, the compression ring is so tight, and the pipe so compressed that it was damaged; at the end that the only solution was to cut the mess off. Use push fittings if you have to (some of the tank supply lines come with them built in) or if you have the ability, sweat some MPT threaded fittings on to the ends of the supply pipes, and use appropriate screw-type lines.
Jeff Handy
Pro Handyman, NOT A Pro Plumber
Good article. Thanks Jeff!
