Seeing that you have part copper piping in your installation, the green you are seeing may be leaching from the copper pipes. Hot water also allows the leaching to occur even more than cooler water. This may explain why you are seeing it in the hot water tubing and not the other.
Can you use PEX tubing on hot water heater?
PEX tubing may be connected directly to residential electric tank or tankless (instantaneous) water heaters, if the local code and manufacturer’s instructions allow. When connecting PEX tube to gas tank or tankless water heaters, the tube must be kept at least 6 inches away from the exhaust vent of the heater.
How close can PEX be to a hot water heater?
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC 604.13) states that “PEX tubing shall not be installed within the first 18 inches of piping connected to a water heater.” But the UPC is not used in all jurisdictions.
Why do water pipes go green?
Patina, or the greenish colour that appears on copper pipes, happens from oxidation. Oxidation is common on copper when it is exposed to water and air over time. While this oxidized layer is not harmful, it does cause the copper to become corroded.
Does PEX pipe mold?
If you have oddly-shaped areas in your home, PEX can bend up to 90 degrees. This makes it possible to mold these pipes in ways you can’t with copper, PVC, or ABS pipes.
How do you plumb a hot water heater with PEX?
Quote from Youtube video: To install the connector to the water system. Slide the crimp ring over pecs tube. Completely insert barbed end of the connector into pecs tube until tube stops at the base of the fitting.
Can plastic PEX fittings be used for hot water?
Metal fittings are required, however, where the fitting is exposed to UV light. Also, no plastic pipe or fittings can be used within 18 in. of water heating devices. Check your local building code in case there are other requirements where you live.
Where is PEX not allowed?
PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas.
You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
Can SharkBite fittings be used on a water heater?
SharkBite hot water heater connections are approved for use on electric or gas water heaters with a flu vent.
What is the best type of PEX to use?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.
Will bleach hurt PEX pipe?
Chlorine degradation of PEX occurs when the chlorine in drinking water, which is added to keep it clean and safe for human consumption, attacks the PEX piping, breaking down molecular bonds, resulting in micro-cracks that gradually expand to the point of a pipe failure.
What is clear PEX tubing used for?
Sioux Chief PowerPEX® PEX-A crosslinked polyethylene tubing shall be used in hot and cold potable water distribution or for approved non-potable system applications.
When should you not use PEX pipe?
PEX plumbing is fine inside the walls of a home, no matter the temperatures as it can be covered with insulation. However, one of the disadvantages of PEX plumbing is it cannot be used outdoors in cold climates as there is no way to cover them and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Is PEX plumbing reliable?
Its resistance to freeze damage as well as corrosion, pitting and scaling makes PEX the most durable piping product on the market today. Its flexibility minimizes connections by up to half in certain applications, making it one of the fastest piping installation methods available.
Can you use SharkBite on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
Can I use flexible pipe for water heater?
You can use flexible gas tubes or water pipes for a gas water heater in most states. In states with earthquakes, they can even be mandatory. If your existing gas pipe has CSST (corroded stainless steel tubes) or has not been glued, the connection should be replaced right away.
Is dielectric union needed on water heater?
Dielectric Unions
It keeps the pipes from actually touching each other because, when they do, they create a corrosive electric charge that deteriorates the pipes and causes leaks. Both the hot and cold water pipes must have this fitting — it’s a code requirement.
What type of pipe is used for water heaters?
CPVC pipes are an ideal choice for hot water plumbing. They are made after adding material that goes through extra chlorination process which gives CPVC higher quality.
How do you hook up a water line to a water heater?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct length connector. Cut the pipe it's cleanly and squarely as possible. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches.
What happens if you plumb a water heater backwards?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now let's look at what happens when the water heater is plumbed backwards. Cold water will come in a pipe that ends at the top of the tank allowing to to mix with some of the hot.
How tight should a water heater line be?
It seems to go against common sense, but plumbing fittings don’t have to be super tight in order to function properly. In fact, pipes should only be hand tight to help aid the flow of water throughout your home.
