Questions and Answers for HOME-FLEX 3/4 in. FIP x 3/4 in. FIP 24 in. Stainless Steel Corrugated Water Heater Connector (2-Piece)

A:  Yes.

A:  No, in most cities a solid pipe such as copper or cpvc must be used. Check with your local building department for specific requirements in your city. Mike

A:  Most likely not. It depends on local codes but generally, a solid pipe must be used.

A:  Hi, Landlord - As long as the water heater is vented properly (Type B Vent pipe), the coating on the pipes will not melt.

A:  Hi, Manny - We have found that 24" connectors are just not long enough for hybrid water heaters with bottom cold inlets and mid-tank hot water outlets. But you can measure your installation to make sure.

A:  I've had absolutely ZERO problems bending this stuff 540 degrees - another words one complete loop 360°, plus another 180°. It was too long for the new configuration after I changed out tank style water heater for a tankless. I didn't feel like making a special trip to the store for a shorter set, so it's been like that for a year. Looks kinda cool, but I will eventually replace them.

A:  Hi, curiousTD - The minimum recommended bend radius of this connector is 2.5".

A:  Hi, diy1 - No sealant (Teflon tape or pipe dope) should be used on the threads. The seal is made at the washer-to-nipple contact, not at the male pipe thread to female pipe thread. Instructions are to hand tighten, plus 1/4 turn with a wrench. If a thread sealant is used, the fitting will most likely not be tight enough.

A:  It has a rubber gasket to make a seal. Teflon tape will not work.

A:  ALWAYS use Teflon Tape with you water connections !!!

A:  I used them on my 80 gallon hybrid and they have been fine for more than a year.

A:  Hi, metaverse - Hybrid water heaters generally do not have water connections at the top of the tank like regular water heaters. Check the particular water heater spec sheet and you may find that the length of our connector may not be long enough to reach either the outbound water port near the center of the tank or the cold water inlet generally at the bottom of the tank.

A:  My hypothesis: the hybrid water heater has a mechanical compressor which can cause vibration. I don't know if that's the reason but I ended up returning and plumbing the PEX pipe directly to/from my hybrid water heater with an elbow (Check building codes, some jurisdictions do not allow this)

A:  Hi, Ryn - Local codes should always be referenced to determine requirements. However, when using dissimilar metals, electrolysis will most likely occur. Having a dieletric sleeve will eliminate that action. The product you referenced has dielectric unions (which cannot be removed) so it's a good idea to use it as is.

A:  Yes, these are copper, not plastic, just painted. Need dielectric