On Wed, 12 Jul 2006 20:12:52 -0700, "Eigenvector"
wrote:

In my house I have a run of PEX tubing that runs right past, almost touching
in fact, the gas vent for the hot water heater. My concern is that the PEX
is in danger or melting or accelerated decay due to the heat. Is there some
way I can shield the PEX from the gas pipe, would there be a code or fire
reason why this particular section needs to be rerouted away from the
exhaust pipe?

Just to clarify the exhaust from the water heater would have traveled about
5 feet before reaching the point where it is near the PEX so I presume it
would have cooled down some.


If this was my house I'd spend $20 or so to get that PEX away from
that exhaust vent. Why risk your home and life for $20. ANYTHING
flammabe should NOT be near an exhaust pipe from a gas heater. PEX is
some type of plastic. Plastic burns/melts. If it dont actually
ignite, it could melt and cause a flood. Reroute it and feel safe. If
there is stuff in the way, you could use galv, steel pipe or copper
pipe from the heater to a foot past the vent pipe. Use the PEX beyond
there.