TOPIC: Water heater (propane) line connection

I ran into something I have not seen before and could not find an answer to on the internet so I will throw it out to my peers. I was inspecting a propane water today and the flex line from the wall runs UNDER the water heater then connects. Is this acceptable? I called my mentor who is a senior inspector of 20+ years and he said he has never seen that in all his time inspecting. I attached a photo.

Feedback would be welcome

Dennis

Why would they do that?
Ran outta pipe?
I would say no! Water weighs 8.33 pounds and if that was a 40 gal heater the weight on that would be 333.2 pounds..NO!
Call it out and move on.

Ray,

Thank you for the response. I suppose the picture is rather deceiving, the gas line is ran under the unit but the unit does not rest on it (gas line) as the unit is slightly elevated. Were it resting directly on the gas line it would be an easy call. I spoke to a friend who is a plumbing contractor and he said even though it is not something you see done it is acceptable.
I pointed out in the report that it is an unusual manner in which the gas flex tube was installed but there are no safety or other issues and if the client has any concerns it is recommended they seek the evaluation and opinion of a professional plumber.

Dennis

If the heater isn't resting on it then no issue. I would not even refer.

Thank you