I have a local inspector challenging a bonding method we have been using. Many times when we replace a service on an older dwelling the gas is closer than the water, sometimes a lot closer. In order to avoid running 50-100 feet of GEC all the way to the water we simply run to the house side of the nearby gas service then jumper the gas and water pipes at the water heater. Today I was told that we are in violation as we must run to the water as our "primary" bond was how it was put. I cannot find reference to this in the code unless he is interpreting 250.104(1) differently than I am. It does not say the water pipes must be bonded directly to the service equipment etc etc, just that they be bonded to it which in my interpretation they are.
