installing a hot water heater

[Unregistered]

1. What's the typical size for the copper pipe for the water supply and water exiting the hot water heater? I'm replacing a very old gas hot water heater. In addition, one change I want to make is to install a new shutoff for the incoming water. It's currently in a difficult spot to reach. I'm not really sure why it was placed so far back from the heater itself.
2. Are there any code requirements for how far from the inlet to the water tank that the shutoff needs to be or can be?
3. Lastly, what's the deal with all the pipe cutters in the store. I see the typical sizes are 3/16" to 1" or 1/4" to 1-1/8". Is the need for the extra 1/16" and 1/8" really a common need? Any thoughts on this would be great. I'd like to purchase a new one with the intent on using it for hot water heaters and througout my home. Thanks for the help guys!

[mdshunk]

The top of the water heater has 3/4" female pipe threads. If you can pipe the water heater full size, that would be a good thing. Using a 3/4" MIP x 1/2" sweat reducer is fairly common to use when your pipework is only 1/2"

The code does require that there is a valve on the inlet of the water heater, but does not elaborate on how far (distance wise) this can or can't be. They're generally within a foot or two of the inlet of the water heater.

With regard to sizes of tubing cutters, there's a reason for all of those sizes. It mostly has to do with working room. You might need a cutter just a wee bit smaller than the other in order to swing it in a tight place. If you do much pipework, you'll eventually need a full compliment. The "little imp" sizes are quite handy in a jam.