Can you use PEX on a hot water heater?
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Lucas Rivera
Works at the International Development Association, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
As a plumbing and heating expert with years of experience in the field, I'm often asked about the compatibility of different materials with various household systems. When it comes to the use of PEX tubing on a hot water heater, there are several important factors to consider for both safety and efficiency.
PEX Tubing and Hot Water Heaters
Firstly, let's define what PEX tubing is. PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible tubing that's often used in plumbing for its durability and resistance to freezing. It's a popular choice for radiant heating systems and for replacing traditional copper pipes due to its flexibility and ease of installation.
However, when it comes to hot water heaters, using PEX tubing directly can be problematic. The primary reason is temperature. PEX tubing has a maximum operating temperature, which is typically around 180°F (82°C). Most water heaters are designed to heat water to temperatures that can exceed this, often reaching up to 140°F (60°C) or more.
The Role of the T&P Valve
The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is a safety device found on most water heaters. It's designed to release water when the temperature or pressure inside the heater exceeds a certain threshold. Typically, this threshold is set at 210°F (99°C) for temperature and 150 psi (1034 kPa) for pressure.
The concern with using PEX tubing on a hot water heater is that the T&P valve won't activate until the water temperature has already surpassed the maximum operating temperature of PEX. This could potentially lead to the tubing becoming damaged or failing, which is a significant safety risk.
Alternatives to PEX Tubing
Given these considerations, it's generally recommended to use alternative materials for connecting a hot water heater. One common option is to use a flex line, also known as a stainless steel braided flexible water connector. These are designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures associated with hot water heaters.
Flex lines are made from a combination of materials that can handle the heat and pressure, and they are equipped with fittings that connect directly to the water heater and the rest of the plumbing system. They are also flexible, which makes them easier to install and adjust as needed.
Temperature of Domestic Hot Water
Regarding the temperature of domestic hot water, it's important to note that it should ideally be set higher than the temperatures that can cause Legionella bacteria to thrive, which is why 120°F (49°C) is often cited as a minimum safe temperature. However, the optimal temperature for domestic use is typically around 130°F (54°C), which provides a good balance between safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
In conclusion, while PEX tubing is a versatile and beneficial material in many plumbing applications, it's not the best choice for use with hot water heaters due to its temperature limitations. Instead, a flex line is a safer and more appropriate option. Always ensure that your water heater is installed and maintained by a professional to guarantee safety and efficiency.
PEX Tubing and Hot Water Heaters
Firstly, let's define what PEX tubing is. PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible tubing that's often used in plumbing for its durability and resistance to freezing. It's a popular choice for radiant heating systems and for replacing traditional copper pipes due to its flexibility and ease of installation.
However, when it comes to hot water heaters, using PEX tubing directly can be problematic. The primary reason is temperature. PEX tubing has a maximum operating temperature, which is typically around 180°F (82°C). Most water heaters are designed to heat water to temperatures that can exceed this, often reaching up to 140°F (60°C) or more.
The Role of the T&P Valve
The T&P valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve, is a safety device found on most water heaters. It's designed to release water when the temperature or pressure inside the heater exceeds a certain threshold. Typically, this threshold is set at 210°F (99°C) for temperature and 150 psi (1034 kPa) for pressure.
The concern with using PEX tubing on a hot water heater is that the T&P valve won't activate until the water temperature has already surpassed the maximum operating temperature of PEX. This could potentially lead to the tubing becoming damaged or failing, which is a significant safety risk.
Alternatives to PEX Tubing
Given these considerations, it's generally recommended to use alternative materials for connecting a hot water heater. One common option is to use a flex line, also known as a stainless steel braided flexible water connector. These are designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures associated with hot water heaters.
Flex lines are made from a combination of materials that can handle the heat and pressure, and they are equipped with fittings that connect directly to the water heater and the rest of the plumbing system. They are also flexible, which makes them easier to install and adjust as needed.
Temperature of Domestic Hot Water
Regarding the temperature of domestic hot water, it's important to note that it should ideally be set higher than the temperatures that can cause Legionella bacteria to thrive, which is why 120°F (49°C) is often cited as a minimum safe temperature. However, the optimal temperature for domestic use is typically around 130°F (54°C), which provides a good balance between safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
In conclusion, while PEX tubing is a versatile and beneficial material in many plumbing applications, it's not the best choice for use with hot water heaters due to its temperature limitations. Instead, a flex line is a safer and more appropriate option. Always ensure that your water heater is installed and maintained by a professional to guarantee safety and efficiency.
Works at the International Criminal Court, Lives in The Hague, Netherlands.
There's no need to use Pex on your water heater, and you probably shouldn't, seeing as how your T&P valve won't go off until after you've already exceeded Pex's maximum operating temperature. Instead, you can use a flex line like this: Also, domestic hot water should not be 100-120F, but rather around 130F.
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Noah Thompson
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
There's no need to use Pex on your water heater, and you probably shouldn't, seeing as how your T&P valve won't go off until after you've already exceeded Pex's maximum operating temperature. Instead, you can use a flex line like this: Also, domestic hot water should not be 100-120F, but rather around 130F.
