My daughter lives in Denver (I live in St. Louis) and her water heater keeps going out. It is older and I intend to replace it. However it is connected to the gas line via a flexible gas pipe (the older silver one - not the new yellow one)... I have not seen a water heater connected in that manner and wonder if this was (a) a proper installation for Denver (I am used to rigid black pipe) and (b) whether there is any issue with piezio ignited pilots - as her current one seems to have a really hefty pilot light flame (which I am attributing to being an older model). But again curious if things are different because of the altitude in Denver. Thanks for any info.

Hi Jim

I can't speak to Denver area code, so for an exact answer I would suggest calling the local plumbing inspector and simply ask your question to him/her.

In terms of my experience in my state, we always hard pipe water heaters using black steel pipe/fittings, but there are some inspectors that will allow the flexible connectors, so I don't see any problems with them... just old-fashioned and won't install them in my company!

In terms of the piezo ignitor, I would bet the higher elevation makes it so the gas pressure is made to be higher and makes it so the pilot needs to be larger. Piezo ignitors are the future and will continue to be that way for a long time, so again, no concerns here.

If you want to discuss more, just let me know, OK?

Mark

Thanks. I will check with a local inspector...