Upgrade To Plastic-Lined Nipples
What Are Plastic-Lined Nipples And Why Do I Need Them?
Pipe nipples are small fittings that connect two pipes together. Many pipes and pipe nipples are made out of brass or copper because these metals are “noble” metals. This means that brass and copper do not chemically react with oxygen—the cause of corrosion or rusting—as much as other metals do (such as steel). The hot and cold water lines on top of the water heater are usually made of brass or copper. Unfortunately, most water heater tank linings and pipes are made out of steel. If these different metals touch each other, the brass or copper will actually promote rusting on the steel tank while the brass or copper remain rust free.
To solve this problem, dielectric unions and plastic-lined pipe nipples were invented. If your water heater system has only copper or brass pipe nipples directly touching the steel tank, replace them with plastic-lined nipples immediately. Don’t panic though. There shouldn’t be serious corrosive damage to your water heater unless your water heater is brand new or only a few months old.
Installation
- Attach a plastic-lined pipe nipple to both the hot and cold water lines where the pipes protrude from the wall.
- Attach another set of plastic-lined nipples to the water heater itself where the hot and cold water lines connect to the steel tank.
- Next install copper flex-connectors to connect the hot water line from the wall to the water heater tank. Do the same for the cold water line. Set up heat traps here as well to increase your water heater’s heating efficiency (see Shrink Your Power Bills). Be sure to attach adapters to the copper plumbing...
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Author: John Haynes