Originally Posted By: Gino Conner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It must be a regional thing, but I have never seen that type of flex pipe used for hot and cold water lines. It seems like they would create a tremendous amount of turbulence/resistance to the water flow.
There is also a requirement by the two codes most adopted by local municipalities (IRC & UPC) that there be a full-bore type valve on the cold (inlet) side. Is there one that's out of sight in the picture
Originally Posted By: jbehling This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gino Conner wrote:
It must be a regional thing, but I have never seen that type of flex pipe used for hot and cold water lines. It seems like they would create a tremendous amount of turbulence/resistance to the water flow. 
Although the high efficency direct vent water heaters are pretty much the norm up here in new construction, I have to agree that the copper flex hose is a new one for me..... maybe a earth quake thing for you guys on the west coast?
Originally Posted By: jbehling This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jpope wrote:
Copper flex is the norm here. What else would you use? Rigid? That would make it a bit more difficult to install a new one 
The shutoff is there (and also required here), it's just out of site.
Yes rigid, that is all I see. Although I like the looks of the flex, saves the solder
Different techniques every where Jeff, maybe some day we will all be on the same page Let me know when you start using the metric system
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Most of them around here are hard piped in originally, then changed over to flex when time for a change out. Mine are flex, and it sure does make installation and removal a snap
Originally Posted By: Gino Conner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well, I can sort of understand the use of flex in a seismic zone, like California would have to be. I see the strap around the water heater in the first picture, indicating it was in a seismic zone installation.
When I learned plumbing, so much emphasis was placed on the importance of deburring the inside of all cut pipes, either copper or plastic, when doing supply work, to eliminate turbulence and provide for proper flow. The theory seems a waste after seeing something like flex allowed to be used for supply. 
