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Plumbing in the Home/Hot Water Tank Pipe Connections

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Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 11/1/2009


Question
Can I use braided flexible hoses for the hot and cold water connections?  What about the gas connection?

Answer
Dear John,

  I have recently noticed that there are braided flex hoses made for hot water heater connections. Any flex tubing made for water heaters will work on both hot and cold. Usually flex pipes made for hook-ups will have a tag that clearly states that "this pipe is for water only", or "this pipe is for gas only", or sometimes both.  

  Be very certain about any connector you use for gas, that it specifically states that it can be used for gas. Usually gas connectors have a "flared" brass fitting which ensures no gas will leak when tightened. Water connectors for water heaters usually have a rubber washer in them, and that rubber might decompose when in contact with gas.

  I hope this answered your questions!  Sharon

Plumbing in the Home

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Sharon McCarthy

Expertise

I can help with most questions about residential plumbing repairs. I am familiar with septic systems, and can answer some questions about water wells. I have no experience with commercial plumbing or codes.

Experience

I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.

Publications
I wrote a monthly column for the United Steelworkers of America local 1033 [Chicago] newsletter from 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977 and have had dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers, including a recent "My Turn" article in the Arizona Republic.

Education/Credentials
High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, trained me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.

Past/Present Clients
Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona

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