What must be ensured for PEX tubing when connecting to water heaters?

When connecting PEX tubing to water heaters, ensuring a minimum distance from the heater is crucial for several reasons. PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has a lower temperature tolerance compared to metal piping materials. If PEX is placed too close to the heat source of a water heater, it may be subject to excessive heat, which can lead to deformation or failure of the material over time.

Establishing a minimum distance allows for thermal expansion and protects the tubing from the high temperatures that could be present near the water heater. Additionally, it helps mitigate the risk of damaging the tubing due to heat exposure during routine maintenance or when the heater is operating at high temperatures.

Other options may also be relevant to installation best practices but do not directly address the critical concern of heat exposure that makes maintaining this minimum distance essential for the integrity and longevity of PEX connections to water heaters.