[from occupied ga]

One suggestion is that if you can you get the same model or the most current version thereof of what you already have. makes the hooking up of the pipes easier.

On my water heater I have five attachment points that have to line up the chimney, the gas line (black iron pipe), inlet, outlet and pressure relief all 3/4 copper pipe. The most recent replacement I could line up the gas, the chimney, and the relief, but I had to use the two 45 deg coupling trick on the inlet and the oulet to get them lined up.

[djf]

Sharkbite makes a steel lined 24 in 3/4 flex hose that goes from a nipple to copper or pex.

It’s a bit pricey, but way better than messing with all the aggravation of trying to get things all lined up!