How to install dielectric union on water heater In this video I will show you how to assemb A dielectric union is designed to break the electrical contact between two dissimilar metals (to prevent galvanic corrosion). For an extra $20 the installer should have had the decency to also install an isolation valve on the HW line so there would be no need to drain the system when replacement is needed. Dielectric union not needed in this situation. What you'll find on this page: What connects your water heater to your plumbing? You probably never gave it much thought. 1 minute ago; Add bookmark ## This is a sponsored advertisement. Brass is a copper/zinc alloy, so a brass nipple qualifies Almost every water heater today has dielectric nipples mounted on the unit already and if you use the braided Sharkbite lines shown in the picture above, you won't need a well , most quality waterheaters come with dilectric nipples already on the the ins/outs ,and i always avoid the dilectric unions alltogether by putting brass couplings and then 8'' brass nipples when i run into galvanized and have to transition. Leaked the first time so I tried again with 18 wraps of tape unsuccessfully. The previous water heater had brass CAUTION: Water heaters are heavy. Add To Cart. It contains 1 plastic sleeve and 1 rubber washer. 9 out of 5 stars : Best Sellers Rank I just replaced a 21 year old Whirlpool electric heater. Dielectric Union | How To Plumbing If you like these video's and would like to support this channel Any purchase that you make here will help and support dielectric The nipples on the heater are "dielectric nipples", and they are no more effective than a dielectric union OR a Sharkbite, for that matter. This will • Schedule an appointment with a qualified person to install your water heater. You can get "I" am the one who found it. Underground steel propane tanks and steel piping must be electrically isolated from the buried copper water piping to the water heater and the The issue (and I see this in the real world all the time) is that people use a standard dielectric union to connect to 300-series stainless. Properly installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service. While heat traps are generally beneficial for improving water heater efficiency, it’s essential to know how to install water heater heat traps properly to avoid common problems that can arise during the installation process. malleable iron union. Position the water heater correctly and connect the dielectric union to the entry port of the cold water. However, I've also seen recommendations for stainless-steel nipples, as well as 4" and 6" lengths for these more noble materials. 3. Most of the flexible copper connector hoses on water heaters have a plastic washer that acts as a When you buy a new water heater, it's important to gauge your hot water needs accurately so that you get a heater large enough to supply them. There’s a lot of plumbing around the house that normally different pipes to tap into each other; to set up a bar sink, for example, or If your existing electric water heater setup is already equipped with dielectric unions at the top of the tank, disconnect the cold water supply and hot water supply at the union using two adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches. 9 3. Drain the water from the system using a garden hose. There are several options and some are better than others. The water will vaporize, and in so doing will absorb enough energy to prevent the pipes from getting hot enough When I instal a new water heater the only reason I consider it is if they are soldered into a gate valve but 95% I just replace the valve at the same time. In the OP's These metal and plastic dielectric heat traps help save energy by preventing heat loss through the inlet and outlet pipes of a water heater while the heater is idle. It was a very difficult task to remove the stuck nipple in one piece. You can then use male thread copper adapters from the brass unions to the sweated copper pipe. Many plumbers still add dielectric unions when installing water heaters primarily because it's easier for the inspector to see it. The wrap-around air filter fits around the They gave up, so I hired new plumbers, and they decided to install a different type of connection with different type of dielectric union in between - However, now the rubber seal To stop this type of corrosion, a fitting called a dielectric union is used to connect the two different metal pipes. Be sure to understand all instructions before installing or operating this water heater, as this may save time Around 5 years mostly residential service and repair and 99. INSTALLER – Read all instructions in this manual before installing. Surtout, situer le réservoir près des points où l’eau chaude est le plus utilisée. I put it with the arrow up-out flow-(and the word "hot" read normal, not upside down. This isolation was designed to prevent deterioration of the noncopper This guide on State Select Water Heater Igniter Replacement will break down: So, let’s dive in. Open menu Open navigation Go to Reddit Home. Why Choosing Emergency Plumbing Professionals MattersThe Essential Role of Dielectric Unions in Water Heater Installations:When it comes to installing or rep Just for grins I looked at the Weil Mclain Aqua-Plus 45 install manual. Watch this How-To Video to learn how to do this job safely with SharkBite. The first step is to shut off the power to the water heater. I pre-sweated copper female adapters to the copper pipe and then attached the female adapters to the male nipples. This is the first time in the 20 years that I've had the unions corrode. com. Thread starter skeezix; Start date Mar 9, 2020; Help Support Plumbing Forums: This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others. Now with You can join copper to galvanized steel pipes with a union, but it must have insulation to prevent the different metals from touching. If you have a connection between copper and galvanized steel pipes, install a dielectric union to prevent direct contact with dissimilar metals. An example is shown at the top of the page. Smith websites but could not find installation instructions or specifications. However, most homeowners make mistakes and end up with catastrophic results. 65 Inch Long, Compatible with Rheem, A. You join the union by tightening the central First off, you should size your new water heater to accommodate your home. They are offered in FIP, MIP & solder connection The dielectric unions provided isolation from the water heater’s metal tank and the steel nipples to the copper water pipe connections at the water heater. copper So to correct a misconception, the plated steel nipples supplied on many domestic water heaters are absolutely NOT dielectric. It's always at the hot water out pipe on the water heater. What am I doing wrong? Can’t get a good connection on the return side of my hot water heater. In order to protect the water heater from heat damage IMO, anytime you don't put a dielectric union on a water heater you are taking the chance that you are accelerating the demise of your pipes. This has worked fine for more than five years, no corrosion. Rejoindre les deux tuyaux peut créer un phénomène connu sous le Dielectric plumbing connectors: this article describes the building code and practical requirements for a dielectric fitting when connecting copper piping to steel pipes This water heater should be installed in accordance with the local code authority having jurisdiction, the power company or electric utility, and this installation manual. Reach4 Here is how to install a dielectric union: Inspect the union: Ensure you have the appropriate size and configuration of the dielectric union for your hot water heater and copper The unions are obviously designed to allow me to disconnect and move the water heater for maintenance. Abbreviations found In this Instruction Manual include: • HPWH - Heat Pump Water Heater • ANSI - American National Standards Institute • ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers Plumbers usually install a union in the water heater pipes. So the path for galvanic currents in the water would be longer between the copper pipe and the steel water heater, which supposedly will help reduce corrosion of the water heater. dielectric unions (not included). A dielectric union is a fitting used to separate pipes made from different metals and prevent corrosion. When installing a new water heater, it's easiest if you're dealing with a job that doesn't require soldering. The options are: Soldered solid copper screwed onto a pipe nipple; PEX or PVC screwed onto a pipe nipple; Flexible copper; Flexible stainless steel; Should I use a dielectric union or brass nipple to connect copper tubing and galvanized steel pipe? Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Share Sort by: Best. Edit: That dielectric nipple is for the water heater, not what you're connecting to the nipple. Using pipe-sealing tape, wrap the union threads I have had an electrolysis problem for several years. cited in . 8% of the water heaters I’ve seen and installed have been with Skip to main content. Now, the hot side union is corroding. Pay attention to the following water heater installation mistakes, so you’ll know what to avoid. I have threaded galvanized pipe coming out of the heater, with a dielectric union to copper. Ensure the water heater is installed on a floor that can support its full filled weight (660 lbs). Having done that, you can As an engineer, I take anecdotal evidence, especially when it goes against codes, with a grain of salt. It did not have it on the water heater I replace and it worked fine for over 10 years. Next, locate the two copper pipes that Installer le réservoir près du panneau électrique. That’s why you don’t see them; if it’s a lifetime connection, you can’t make money. Be sure the unit is cooled down and de My water heater dielectric unions are corroding after 15 months. A dielectric union or nipple DOES have a "break" between the different materials which a Sharkbite does not have. ND50T122-403) in my home. Specifically designed for transitioning between steel and copper piping, it operates at a Sweating to a Dielectric Pipe Union. I connected the water heater to the copper piping in my home using dielectric unions. You can usually connect your water heater to a plastic pipe with flex connections (at least 18" of length will prevent the plastic pipes Wrap pipes tape around the threads of this cold-water the hot-water socket nipple attached to the top of your electrical water heater. Professional Installation is available for this product and the work is guaranteed I'll be replacing a gas water heater eventually and want to know the right way to install the piping to it. A dielectric union is a plumbing fitting that is meant to join two dissimilar metal Installing a dielectric union on a water heater is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes with the proper tools. This special adaptor is used to isolate the connections of dissimilar metals. It’s a simple process, but there are a few things you need to know before you start. Turn off the tub faucet, then turn off the cold water inlet valve on the water heater. Stack Removing the Old Water Heater. Such a union is called a dielectric union. . Add to Comparison. ) On the Rheem/Ruud website I did find installation manuals. I just noticed that the hot water connection on the water heater is directly connected to copper pipe. Before you call, write down the model and serial number from the water heater’s data plate. The house has mostly copper pipe. You can also use a dielectric union to connect copper pipes and a water If you have a hot water heater, you may need to install a vacuum breaker. The cold-water inlet is usually identified by a blue sticker on the surface of the heater; the hot socket by a red sticker. But they are not dielectric couplings. They came away from the heater ok but would not disassemble as designed; I had to cut the copper pipe. Also a nipple tray is viewed and advantages demonstrated for repairing plumbing. " So, it is not at all surprising that most every dielectric union you’ve every found on a water Hi all - Just purchased a new Rheem hybrid electric hot water heater. If you want to be safe get a dielectric union C x F and take the union apart before soldering Then when it cools you can replace the insulating plastic sleeve and rubber in the face of the union . We'll show you how to install your own gas water heater in less than a day. It calls out dielectric unions for the domestic water. What these nipples to is Thank you for purchasing this heat pump water heater. 21. hardworkingstiff Senior Member. Feb 19, 2013 #2 The pipe burst? I've moved over to the Brass Nipples side for water heater connection and will not be installing a dielectric union ever again. Joined Aug 24, 2019 Messages 220 Reaction score 68 Location Colorado. There was no mention of using a dielectric union. NPT x 3/4 in. What is the purpose of a Connect the black wire from the water heater to the black wire from the circuit breaker using a wire nut. A product you can reuse from water heater to water heater, short of new gaskets. (See below for a shopping list and tools. Measurements are 3/4 in. Tankless water heaters are fairly Shop EASTMAN Water Heater Dielectric Union in the Water Heater Parts department at Lowe's. We offer dielectric unions in a range of configurations, sizes, and materials. I've lived here 20 years and this is my 3rd water heater. r/Plumbing A chip A close button. If you use them, you generally Slow leak on my hot water heater install. Step-by-step guide and expert tips included. Installing a water heater doesn’t have to be hard. Water expansion is one of the usual reasons for high water pressure. We hope these common mistakes sav Most water heaters come with a dielectric nipple . Do I need dielectric unions on top of my tank? I will be running copper water I personally don't like dielectric unions but if your local code requires hard piping I strongly suggest that you use brass unions along with brass nipples out of the tank. Do not install this water heater in a closet or confined space. That is the reason why you don't see them; can't make money if it is a lifetime connection. We can help you with installation, operations, troubleshooting, or maintenance. If you have a plumber install a water heater expansion tank while installing a water heater, you can save on some of the labor costs. Here’s what it says in the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Dielectric unions are used to join pipes made from different metals to prevent accelerated corrosion in the piping system. I remember having to replace one of the dielectric unions about a year after installation. After doing Disclaimer: Under no circumstances will proclaimliberty2000 be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or Turn off the water heater. The valv e is for servicing and should be in the open position when the water heater is in operation. If you have difficulty following the directions, or aren’t sure you can safely and properly do any of this work yourself: • Call your Local plumbing supplies store to have this water heater installed. Installing a Water Heater Expansion provide dielectric insulation may result in premature tank or nipple failure and may void your warranty. New tank in place, with shark bite hoses for a temp hookup. 8. It is installed between pipes made from dissimilar metal. If you live where flexible connections are required (usually due to earthquake activity) then no additional Think of the dielectric union as the translator between your water heater and expansion tank. Cela peut se produire lorsque de nouveaux appareils de chauffage sont installés dans des maisons ayant des systèmes de plomberie plus anciens. Turn the union clockwise and tighten with a pipe wrench. Remove the corroded fittings Water Heaters 101> Plumbing Connectors. When I attempted to replace the water heater the unions were welded together. Location Wilmington, NC. The only WH's I've plumbed with unions were in In your case, you probably do not need dielectric unions. "Dielectric nipples" are a marketing term for the most part. HUD, PPFA, DESIGN GUIDE for RESIDENTIAL PEX WATER SUPPLY Dielectric unions are the perfect solution for breaking the connection between the two metals. Log In / Sign Up; Advertise on Reddit; Shop Customers say the dielectric union performs well for connecting water heaters and is generally easy to install. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury. SharkBite flexible water heater What Does the Term Dielectric Union Mean? Dissimilar Metals in Plumbing Galvanic Corrosion. Many appreciate its reliable functionality and quality, with several users noting leak This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to replace a rusted, ready-to-burst fitting. 🔨 Les chauffe-eau électriques sont parfois raccordés à une tuyauterie composée de deux matériaux différents, généralement de l'acier galvanisé et du cuivre. Since the coil is stainless steel 304 perhaps stainless nipples would be best for the boiler connections? Jim always recommends on demand water heaters but make sure you don’t make these mistakes when installing one or buying one. For the boiler water they just show unions without any specification for which type of union. A few customers experienced issues with leaks or found they did not need the product after all, Here are the steps to use a dielectric union to join copper and steel pipes: Turn off the water supply and power to the water heater. I have never seen this happen with a standard cast. The building code allows you to use either one. When this post started, it implied that as a water heater lasted 21 years without any dielectric device, no dielectric device When your water heater begins to leak, you have to replace it fast. Both times I've had to replace the unions due to height differences. This is Don't know if your allowed to put dielectric union on gas line , but if you could then if you also put one on the water pipes to a hot water tank heater and you electrically insulated The press joint coupling is or was leaking. In Ron Hazelton’s video above, he references our site for the instructions: How to Flush or Drain a Water Heater. 47 Rain Bird SW20-30PS Drip Irrigation Spot Watering Dripper/Emitter, 2 Gallon Per Hour, 30-Pack,Red/Black Amazon. These unions are capable of withstanding temperatures and pressures up to 180 degrees F and 250 psi, respectively. State Select Water Heater Igniter Replacement [7 Easy Steps] The igniter SharkBite's Water Heater Installation Connection Kit features two female push-to-connect fittings and a disconnect clip. Unions on water heaters are a recommendation and not a code requirement in my neck of the woods. $9. in length. Then, tighten using a wrench. Tube x 3/4 in. But a Shakbite does also not have the degree of separation which a longer nipple That a dielectric nipple off the water heater. Fits most 3/4 in. I looked on the State and A. Prior to doing this, I researched whether to use a dielectric union (as recommended by the new heaters manufacturer AO Smith), brass, or keep the plastic lined heat Read this manual and the labels on the water heater before you install, operate, or service it. ASIN : B005I63UPI : Customer Reviews: 3. Once your new main water heater tank is in A Dielectric Union is very important when you're transitioning from traditional galvanized steel piping to copper. The Eastman dielectric union is built of galvanized steel for increased durability with a steel end and a brass end for soldering. What I have now is copper male NPT sweat fittings threaded directly into the WH; cu tube is then sweated to the fittings at the WH. Installing a dielectric union between the two pipes should solve the issue. The union will provide a barrier between the two metals, reducing the risk of electrolysis. i have found the brass route better performing than those ****ty unions that rely on a paper thin washer in reality. The unions, Dielectric Union Water Heater - By installing dielectric unions on your water heater you could avoid premature corrosion. In most cases, a new tankless unit will replace a storage water heater. Even if you don't need a new water heater right now, chances are you will within the I'm pretty sure my UPC code states that water heaters must be connected with eighter a dielectric union or 6" of brass. Turn the union clockwise and hand tighten. A dielectric coupling is made to connect between two plumbing pipes • Use with electric and gas water heaters and water softeners • No dielectric union needed to install. Why wouldn't This appears to be corrosion which is caused by the dissimilar metals. and the reason is it will fail first by corrosion/perforation resulting in cooler water output. 9 out of 5 stars 4 ratings. And the 3/4-inch nipples that came installed in my new water heater also terminate with 3/4-inch male pipe thread. The You need to use dielectric unions to connect an electric water heater to a system of copper pipes if the heater came with preinstalled galvanized nipples. Improperly installed water heaters can lead to electrical hazards and water damage, so if you are not confident in your abilities to install the unit safely, it is strongly recommended to hire a We think that dielectric unions should be used to connect the copper piping to water heater. Open the pressure relief valve on the top of the heater to make sure there is no more pressure in the tank. There already appears to be a union installed on the cold water supply line. Don't attempt to solder pipes that have water in them. That rust is probably from the coupling leak, in any Union Nut Solder adapter Gasket Body First step: Wrap several layers of pipe sealing tape over the threads of the steel pipe. It wouldn't be necessary. Compare Now Compare Now. Clean the pipe with Emery cloth before cutting the pipe. This connection is even capable of reducing Hi, I understand that one is supposed to use a dielectric union between dissimilar metals. However, a dielectric "fitting" is required between dissimilar metals. Get app Get the Reddit app Log In Log in to Reddit. Connect the bare copper ground wire from the water heater to the Saturday, January 11 2025. when this happens the customer would call a plumber thinking IF some "idiot" soldered to the factory nipples and melted any plastic parts on them, that is NOT a defect in the heater, it is a defect in the worker. O. I installed a new electric 50 gal Richmond water heater over the weekend. That way the nipple doesn't rust to the weldolet on the tank. I would like to remove the nipples and screw the unions I replaced my hot water heater 3 years ago. My 1st time repairing a water heater. Open the hot water faucet in one of your bathtubs, and let the water run until it is tepid. The return line winds its way down to the bottom of the water heater Use plastic coverings to secure the union of the gas valve and the gas intake. A union for joining copper pipe is typically made of brass, and it has slip connections so you can solder it onto the pipes. Installation of a A brass 3/4" by 3/4" DUF (Dielectric Union Female cc sweat by ips) would be a nice addition to the plumbing profession. This is available from the following: National Fire Protection Agency 1 When connecting the PEX to the water heater lines (in and out) can I just use a threaded PEX fitting into the dielectric unions that are there from the galvanized to copper Step 1: Attach a Dielectric Union. I think I once found a dialectic union on a water heater (installed by others) where I was replacing the heater that had failed. Mar 9, 2020 #1 How does one solder a Hello Andy, This dielectric union rebuild kit is designed to fit most 3/4 in. They are good for the life of the water heater. I hate dielectric unions so that's a no for me. Use two or more people to remove or install a water heater if you don't have an appliance dolly. They are NOT truly dielectric, because you DO have the dissimilar metals in contact with each other. Most will create a dielectric union that may extend the lifespan of your anode rods. The 300-series stainless and the zinc-plated steel of the dielectric union are on complete The Eastman dielectric union is built of galvanized steel for increased durability with a steel end and a brass end for soldering. A sensible installation will have unions at the tank, so the least expensive way is to use dielectric union on the dielectric nipples that come with the heater. The rusted dielectric nipple can be replaced if it will unscrew from the heater. Only a friction Step #2 - Install threaded end to pipe Install the threaded end of the dielectric union body onto the galvanized pipe, or steel hot water heater connections. I've installed hundreds of water heaters with flex lines. Afterward, installation is easy enough and can be done by just about anybody. They may have plastic inserts for masking some of its surface area or holding heat trap devices. A general guideline for making threaded connections for metal fittings is as follows: This is how I repaired my leaking water heater. Even when taking the unions to the bench So unlike a dielectric union it doesn't isolate the metallic piping from each other, it just forces the path for electric currents through the water itself to be somewhat longer. I've used dielectric unions Dielectric Union Water Heater: FAQS What Is A Dielectric Union? A-To prevent galvanic corrosion, two-part fittings of different metals that are electrically insulated from one another are Hi all, I recently had a new water heater installed (Bradford White 50 Gallon Natural Gas RG2PV50T6N19). Dielectric Unions are used in commercial and residential applications to prevent accelerated corrosion and deterioration in the piping system due to galvanic and stray current. Smith, Giant, Protect The Water Tanks from Corrosion – 3/4NPT Thread Blankdraht $11. Code requirements aside (where I work), the AHJ has never asked for unions on water heaters. Dielectric water heater unions are used on water heaters to help prevent corrosion when connecting different types of metal. Getty. A ground joint union does not use an insulating gasket or sleeve, and so does not do anything to isolate different metals. Search for; Toilet bowl cleaner. I can count on one dielectric union install on water heater part 1 copyright sgb A dielectric union comes with plastic gaskets that are vulnerable to melting near high heat. This will help to prevent the water in the heater from being sucked back into the municipal water supply. Most heat pump water heaters supply dielectric nipples installed at the cold and hot threads on the water heater. Municipal, state and federal plumbing codes often prohibit the use of non-dielectric unions and nipples because galvanization occurs between dissimilar DIY Customer: I installed a dielectric nipple on a hot water heater. But on the new water heater, on the instruction, one installation has diagram of dielectric unions and on a different page on the same instruction installation Step 7: Install a Dielectric Union. Pipe wr A building inspector will be looking for these before giving a green light. (They appear to be owned by the same company. On I thought there was a dielectric union installed on water heaters that prevented eloctolysis? Any useful ideas? I don't see how me adding a hot water ground is going to solve anything ? This is also being asked of a master plumber and he has many years in the trade. Cut the copper pipe just above the corroded connection using a tubing cutter. In combination with dielectric nipp Learn how to properly install a dielectric union on your water heater for optimal performance and safety. Le réservoir doit aussi être placé à l’intérieur et à l’abri du gel. There is an electrically non-conductive washer, usually rubber, I bought a couple of 3/4-inch dielectric unions to use with my new water heater. 82. Ensure that the water heater is installed in a level position. It sorta I don't understand why the installer did not use a dielectric union to prevent the different metals touching and a union makes it a lot easier to replace the tank when needed. If the piping has been soldered into place, use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe. Includes patented internal dielectric sleeve • Low-lead compliant Flexible Copper Water Heater Connector INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED) HOT OUTLET salida de agua caliente SHUT OFF VALVE Llave de paso NIPPLE Niple A B C For FIP x Again, engineering wise, a properly installed Dielectric Union is way superior over a Dielectric Nipple. Remove the Dielectric Union - 3/4 in. When plumbers want to be able to take a pipe apart quickly, they install a union -- a type of coupling that you can unscrew and separate. NPT Pipe thread - Male @Tyson a dielectric union has an insulating gasket and sleeve, to prevent galvanic reactions. I have never seen a crimped fitting Once you’ve positioned the water heater in the installation area, install the wrap-around air filter (supplied with the water heater) if not already installed. Turn on the water at the main shutoff and leave the cold water valve open. Dielectric means NON-conductive. Many appreciated its affordability and effectiveness, while some noted that the product could be slightly longer for certain applications. Attach a Dielectric Union . On my two boilers it goes straight from iron to copper with no visible corrosion. NPT x 3 in. I don't see an expansion tank, if you don't have one, install one. Are dielectric unions a must-have when you're replacing a water heater? In this video, Chase from @KCWaterHeaters sheds light on a question that has puzzled How to replace nipple on water heater. This kit can be used on new or existing installations. Screw about the galvanized half of this dielectric marriage and tighten it, using a rhythm. It's unclear to me whether the factory installed nipples are heat trap nipples, or just an inlet pipe. Dielectric Unions I just joined, and I have a question on dielectric union on the hot and cold water heater pipes. A typical installation. Skip to main content US: English Country and Language Picker A brass 3/4″ by 3/4″ DUF (dielectric union female cc sweat by ips) would make a great addition to the plumbing industry. Incorrect installation, operation, or service can damage the water Mueller 167-094NL Dielectric Union Galvanized Sweat Steel : Suggested Users unisex-adult : Number of Items 1 : Part Number 167-094NL : Included Components Mueller 167-094NL Dielectric Union Galvanized Sweat Steel : Additional Information. By I have a similar hot water heater. The compression unions came with brass Heat trap nipples also provide an additional benefit. Conversely, the cold water connection has, what seems to be, a brass fitting in between the water heater and the copper piping. And the water gets expanded when it is I recently installed a Whirlpool hot water heater (Model No. Dielectric Unions. This is usually They gave up, so I hired new plumbers, and they decided to install a different type of connection with different type of dielectric union in between - However, now the rubber seal in this dielectric union totally disintegrated- causing leaks which caused the steel to corrode (black specks still coming out in the hot water around the house). Sponsor Paid Advertisement. Within a week or two of installing the water heater I noticed that I would get a burst of brown rust colored water the From the water heater HOT side I was going to install a copper 3/4" female adapter, 3/4" pipe, 3/4" x 1/2" adapter, 1/2" pipe, 1/2" brass compression union, to 1/2" copper water supply. skeezix Well-Known Member. It's about 85% plugged, 1/4 thick, and I'm not sure if that is from the rod or from the tank. It was worth it to save the money on getting someone to repair it for me. ) I turned the water valve back on and get no water from fixtures on the hot side, but fine on the cold side. There is no dielectric union at the WH which I've read you should have for transitioning from steel to cu Inefficient water heater: If your water heater is not performing as efficiently as it should, Step 4: Install Dielectric Union Fittings: Install dielectric union fittings where dissimilar metals connect or join, such as at the water Shows and explains what the DU coupling does. Part # AP10354. This video details how to replace the dielectric unions/nipples of the water heater that make up the hot and cold connections coming from and going to the water heater. Often I have substituted a brass fitting in place of dielectric Was just reading about replacing the water heater and came across something interesting. Skip to main content. The fittings are PEX shall not be installed within the first 18 inches (457 mm) of piping connected to a water heater. The additional union on the cold side (right below the valve) should allow me to disconnect the line and unscrew the The discharge tube of a tank type water heater is made of a different metal as an anode (sacrificial tube) that is replaceable, and will corrode first if you don't use a dielectric fitting. Fill the new tank with water and test it for leaks by turning on a faucet. Blog Disclaimer; Menu; ToiletSense. I can't remember if it was the hot or cold side. See pictures below: First picture is Learn the importance of dielectric unions in water heater setups, preventing electric charges and corrosion, along with essential maintenance tips. Separate a 3/4-inch One of the most common places to find rust and corrosion in any home is right above a water tank where the dielectric unions should be installed. Dielectric nipples are used to connect to dissimilar metals. Without the need for new gaskets, this product can be reused from water heater to water heater. What is the minimum distance between it and a nearest soldered joint to avoid the heat from soldering . Because if your logic were correct, flexible copper and stainless steel water heater supplies wouldn't have a dielectric swivel adapter on it. The new heater had installed already these blue plastic lined nipples on both the hot and cold. Install the threaded end of dielectric union body to the steel pipe. Compression Fitting Connector - 1/2 in. The ends are 3/4-inch male pipe thread. Compare Now Compare Now Browse all of our dielectric unions, water heater extension pieces, nipples, fittings, and more. And as I said in my first post, "However, the corrosion will still occur, but at a MUCH lower rate as the two dissimilar metals are totally insulated from each other by the union. In the absence of local code requirements, follow the regulations set forth in the latest edition of the National Electric Code, NFPA70. Verify Simple video on how to fix a hot water heater connector. Second step: Slide the union nut over the end of copper pipe with open The water heater in this installation is a 19,000-Btu to 199,000-Btu model, which is normal for a house with three bathrooms. yah its more Anode Rod for hot Water Heater(2 Pack) Water Heater Anode Rod. H. • Call our Technical Assistance Hotline at 1-800-527-1953. So, Customers say the dielectric nipple is easy to install and fits well with water heaters, making it a reliable choice for plumbing needs. It’s better to replace with new flex hoses because they are a serviceable part and Nous voudrions effectuer une description ici mais le site que vous consultez ne nous en laisse pas la possibilité. Especially when connection steel to copper pipe. Install a shut off valve on the cold water side of the water heater. Watts dielectric unions are used in HVAC equipment, hot water storage tanks, and piping system for reducing the deterioration and accelerated corrosion caused due to stray and galvanic currents. Regardless, I thought a brass nipple was the better method of install off the tank. NPT Pipe thread - Female. How Do I Open Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner; Can I Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner In My Rv; Do Toilet In a recirculation loop, a return line that runs from the farthest fixture back to the water heater is installed. Expand user menu Open settings menu. com This was what I discovered on the tank side of the hot water outlet nipple : Brass Nipple I just removed. Turn on a faucet in a nearby room to hot and listen for How to install a dielectric union connecting copper and black pipe 14 years I installed the water heater using copper pipe (no flex line) to dielectric unions installed on the water heater. It happens when the water pressure increases due to the expansion. shbmir lmsltp nhozl crqi eqqx gkan cni bod waj mejbhg
