Hey guys... I just want to say thanks for the input.... I have now passed inspection .....
What I got fixed for code:
1. Two new swing joints at the house and at the garage for the connections coming out of the ground.
2. Shut off valve inside by the appliance
3. Yellow flex hose was replaced and it was hard piped in
- and I got the inducer fan motor replaced under warranty.... boy that was a hassle ( especially when you're not an HVAC guy )
What the inspector said about the install - old and new...
1. I don't need the dirt trap
2. I could have stuck with the yellow flex hose as it was code.... just needed the shut off valve.
So what have I learned the hard expensive way..... saving a couple hundred bucks on a install of a good heater... isn't always worth it... I have now paid almost enough for another heater to get this one fixed and up to code....
live and learn....
And I still haven't heard from my original installer yet....