Some time back I installed a new water heater and it had the factory installed heat traps. The instructions say you MAY have to install one or more 90° elbows in order to make a “U” configuration in the supply pipes. It also shows the pipes running vertically from the heater. I’ve read on various plumbing sites suggesting the “U” piping to reduce standby heat loss. I connected mine using the original vertical pipe setup. My question: Is the “U” type configuration necessary when the heat traps are installed? I have to install a water softener so when plumbing I can do the “U” if necessary. All of the pipes are insulated.

Hey Shader,

As you can see by image number one no "U"s are necessary if heat traps are installed. Have a great weekend. Tom

Thanks Tom, your advice always helpful as usual--saves me some plumbing work. Image #3 was one of the sites I referred to. Obviously, no factory heat traps...