Connecting PEX Water Lines to Hot Water Heater
PEX cannot be directly connected to a hot water heater. Relavant code from 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code:
604.13 Water Heater Connectors. Flexible metallic water heater connectors or reinforced flexible water heater connectors connecting water heating to the piping system shall be in accordance with the applicable standards refer- enced in Table 1401.1. Copper or stainless steel flexible connectors shall not exceed 24 inches (6] 0 mm). PEX, PEX-AL-PEX, PE-AL-PE, or PE-RT tubing shall not be installed within the first 18 inches (457 mm) of piping con- nected to a water heater.
