Water heaters use a water heater hose to connect the water heater to the water lines in your home. When the hose itself ends up leaking, you need to replace it to prevent water waste and water damage.
You can change out the water heater hose on your device yourself. Of course, you want to pick a water heater hose that fits your water heater and won’t leak.
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
What are water heater hoses?
What are the different types of water heater hoses?
How does a water heater hose work?
What do you look for in the best water heater hose?
Simply push to easily connect this 18” flexible, braided stainless steel hose to your water heater in seconds with an airtight seal. You can use this product to connect with all types of pipes, and the brass valve attached to the hose operates simply with a handle.
This product works for both residential and commercial purposes and can withstand 200°F and 200 psi.
Water heater hoses are hoses that connect your water heater to the water lines in your home. A water heater hose, or supply line, must connect to the incoming cold water inlet as well as the outgoing hot water inlet for proper installation.
You can usually find the connections on the top of conventional water heaters that use a tank. Placement fluctuates from the top and bottom more often on tankless water heaters.
Why Do Water Heater Hoses Leak?
Supply lines may experience trauma that causes a hole in it, creating a leak. Additionally, water heater hoses may experience corrosion, which eats at the material over time, causing leaks. Leaks tend to happen at the hot water outlet more often due to the additional strain of heat.
Before considering a replacement, ensure the leak comes from the hose instead of the valve.
What Are The Different Types Of Water Heater Hoses?
The two main types of water heater hoses are braided water heater hoses and corrugated water heater hoses. They both provide flexibility and durability while also having unique features that set them apart.
Braided Stainless Steel Water Heater Hoses
Braided water heater hoses usually consist of plastic piping on the inside with a stainless steel sleeve. Many people find braided water heater hoses easy to work with as they usually offer slightly more flexibility, and they tend to cost less than corrugated options.
Corrugated Stainless Steel Water Heater Hoses
Corrugated water heater hoses consist of stainless steel. While this minimally reduces flexibility, it also enhances durability, making them the best choice for use in high-temperature and high-pressure situations. They generally cost more than braided options.
Copper Water Heater Hoses
Copper water heater hoses don’t last as long as steel supply lines. While suitable for residential water heater needs, replacements usually come in stainless steel.
Copper generally costs the least of all options, but you will experience new leaks more quickly, requiring more replacements. They also don’t keep the heat from escaping as well as stainless steel. They are less flexible if you live in an area that requires straps, so keep this in mind if you have to retrofit a connection and need maneuverability.
How Does A Water Heater Hose Work?
A water heater hose works by allowing water to enter the water heater from the main water supply and then move it to the hot water outlet to transport the hot water throughout your home.
How to Replace a Water Heater Hose
Replacing a water heater hose doesn’t require too much plumbing knowledge, and it’s a part of normal water heater maintenance. Any motivated beginner (or you) can get the job done.
The only supplies you will need come from any basic toolbox and your replacement water heater supply line. However, read the instructions carefully to ensure you have everything you need before you get started.
Follow these steps to replace your water heater hose:
Step One: Turn Off Fuel and Water
Turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater as well as the main water supply. This prevents mess, damage, and potentially dangerous situations.
Step Two: Open and Close Hot and Cold Faucets
Turn on both the hot and cold faucets at a nearby sink connected to the water heater. This will drain the existing supply lines of any water in them. Close them when you no longer see any water drippage.
Step Three: Release Excess Pressure
Open the pressure relief valve for a couple of seconds to release any excess pressure in the tank.
Step Four: Remove Appropriate Hose
Disconnect the current hose from your water heater. Ensure that you remove the appropriate hose. The cold water supply should have a “C” printed on it to make it easy for you.
Step Five: Install New Hose
Replace the hose you disconnected with the new hose. Depending on the replacement supply line, you may only need to push the new hose into place. Alternatively, you may need to secure it using connection nuts.
Step Six: Restore Fuel and Water
At this time, you can restore power and water to your water heater. Verify that everything works properly and that your new hose doesn’t have any leaks.
What Do You Look For In The Best Water Heater Hose?
The best water heater hose for you will connect to the different pipes in your home. First, you need to ensure that the connectors are the right size. For the most part, you will need to get a hose with ¾” connectors, but check your owner manual to verify the size of your unit.
Top 5 Best Water Heater Hoses Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Simply push to easily connect this 18” flexible, braided stainless steel hose to your water heater in seconds with an airtight seal. You can use this product to connect with all types of pipes, and the brass valve attached to the hose operates simply with a handle.
This product works for both residential and commercial purposes and can withstand 200°F and 200 psi.
This simple braided stainless steel 12” water heater connector gets the job done without any extra bells and whistles, such as a shut off valve. This UPC device doesn’t contain any lead, complying with safe drinking regulations. This product works with your water heater and any other appliances with ¾” connectors.
This 18” corrugated stainless steel water heater hose gives you everything you can want in a water heater hose. Sharkbite comes with the most reliable push to connect installation on the market, so you don’t need to worry about using plumber’s tape or glue.
This device works with all types of piping material, including copper, PEX, CPVC, and PE-RT pipes. The brass ball valve makes control easy.
Attach this 24” corrugated stainless steel hose using the swivel head nut connectors. The flexible design makes it easy to connect to water supplies in awkward locations. It can withstand up to 200 psi of water pressure and 190°F.
This 12” braided stainless steel flexible water heater hose comes with standard ¾” hex nut connectors to make it compatible with most water heaters. FluidMaster also provides a 5-year warranty.
Pros
Lead-free
Highly flexible
5-year warranty
Cons
Short 12” length
No on/off valve
Hex nut connectors
Final Thoughts On The Best Water Heater Hoses
Your water heater hose connects your water heater to water supply lines. Leaks create water damage and higher water bills, so a leaking water heater connector hose requires immediate replacement.
When looking for the best water heater hose, pick a hose that gives you enough length and flexibility. Generally, corrugated hoses provide a better option than braided hoses.
FAQs For Water Heater Hoses
Can you use a flexible hose on a water heater?
Yes. Flexible hoses make a great option, especially in awkward spaces. Just be mindful of kinks developing in the hose.
Can I use a braided hose for a hot water heater?
Yes. Braided stainless steel makes a great option for hot water heater hoses.
What size is a water heater hose?
Water heater hoses tend to fall between 12 – 24”.
How do you connect a hose to a water heater?
You can push to connect a water heater hose with some high-end models or connect it with hex nuts.
How do you replace a water heater hose?
Follow these simple steps to replace a water heater hose:
Step One: Turn Off Fuel and Water
Step Two: Open Hot and Cold Faucets
Step Three: Release Excess Pressure
Step Four: Remove hose
Step Five: Install New Hose
Step Six: Restore Fuel and Power
Meet Your Plumbing Navigator
About Plumbing Navigator
We’re passionate about all things plumbing, and love sharing tips, “how-to”, and reviewing the latest products to help make your project a success!
Learn More Plumbing Tips
Want to tackle more plumbing projects? Check out these helpful guides!
Got Plumbing Questions? Search For In-Depth Answers Below!
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
