Water Heater supply line

[CCCBuilder]

Which product would be better in terms of durability? Modern braided Stainless Steel like Fluidmaster, or the old Sioux Chief Corrugated Straight pipe that does bend some? I'm seeing the Fluidmaster brand more, and they are also about $8 cheaper per 18" line.

 

[Reach4]

Go corrugated. The braided lines are really rubber-like material with a braid on the outside. Some braided are better than others.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

I've been replacing the braided lines to water heaters.
They either spring leaks in the hose, or they flake off into black specks in the water.

Corrugated for the win.

 

[CCCBuilder]

I like to use full-flow ball valves and I have been using the Bluefin 3/4" ones, but I have been using 3/4" x 3/4" Brass Nipples to connect the W.H. line to the ball-valve. Wondering now if the Stainless Steel connect lines would be a bad idea due to difference in metals? I know it won't be as bad as Galvanized...but still thinking stainless steel and brass will react? Especially on well water applications - thoughts?

 

[Terry]

For corrugated I've used stainless and copper. They last as long as the water heater.

 

[Dj2]

Corrugated copper with good washers is unbeatable - quality wise and price wise.

 

[Charles Gonzales]

I've been replacing the braided lines to water heaters.
They either spring leaks in the hose, or they flake off into black specks in the water.

Corrugated for the win.

I have one water heater with braided lines, and I do get the oily black specks in my master bathtub, however there are no black specks in the second hallway bathtub.

I have a one-story with copper piping rising through the ceiling. I estimate 8 feet of copper pipe to the second bathtub, and estimate 20 feet to the master bathtub. I don't notice specks in any sinks of course they all have aerators. I also don't notice specks in the washer or dishwasher.

I am content to change the hoses, but might someone understand why I get the black specks in the master bathtub and not have specks in the other bathtub?

 

[Reach4]

I am content to change the hoses, but might someone understand why I get the black specks in the master bathtub and not have specks in the other bathtub?

What kind of supply lines are hooked to the master bathtub valve?

 

[Charles Gonzales]

What kind of supply lines are hooked to the master bathtub valve?

Copper to a Hansgrohe Brass rough-in valve then copper to the bathtub spout. I checked with Hansgrohe, and they said the valve (in and out) are 100% brass, no rubber or plastic components. All the fittings are copper and soldered.