Most water heaters come from the factory with dielectric nipples (which are galvanized) with the plastic inner sleeve.

Do Rheem water heaters have dielectric nipples?

fullysprinklered In the Trades. Ok, the last several Rheem water heaters I've installed have had this insert in the dielectric nipples.

Is dielectric union needed on water heater?

Dielectric Unions

If either the tank nipples or the pipes are galvanized steel, however, and you are connecting them to copper, you must use a fitting called a dielectric union to make the connection. ... Both the hot and cold water pipes must have this fitting -- it's a code requirement.

What is a dielectric fitting on a water heater?

A dielectric union is a plumbing fitting that is meant to join two dissimilar metal pipes so they don't experience a galvanic reaction and begin to rust. ... We find many dielectric unions that have started to rust which will eventually lead to a water leak if not remedied.

What are dielectric fittings made of?

Dielectric unions are use to join pipes made from dissimilar metals to avoid electrolysis which leads to corrosion and pipe failure. This union is made from galvanized steel and lead-free brass. Plumbing codes in all states require the use of dielectric unions when connecting dissimilar metals.

Water Heater Dielectric Union Replacement

21 related questions found

What is dielectric fitting?

A dielectric fitting is a type of industrial material that isolates monitoring instruments against the effects of electrical current. One of its main purposes is to connect two types of pipe, such as iron and copper. ... Dielectric fittings disrupt the flow of cathodic current while allowing the fluid to flow.

Are SharkBite fittings dielectric?

The standard SharkBite fittings (i.e. Coupling, Elbow, Tee) cannot be used as a dielectric union. However, SharkBite Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Coupling Hoses can be used as a dielectric union.

Do I need dielectric union?

If all of your water piping and connections from the copper to other fixtures or devices are copper or brass (or plastic) you're fine without adding dielectric unions. Use a dielectric fitting between copper an steel as described in this article, both to comply with plumbing codes and to avoid corrosion and leaks.

Do Rheem water heaters need dielectric unions?

Re: Rheem says: dielectric not necessary! Interesting. They must mean that a dielectric union is not required to prevent problems with the water heater. However, no dielectric union between dissimilar metal connections will likely result in failure of the piping at that point.

Do AO Smith water heaters come with dielectric nipples?

I have just installed a AO smith gas water heater. All my water lines are 3/4 inch copper. The Tank came with 2 dielectric close nipples with no mention in the installation instructions. My old tank of 15 years had the copper 3/4 male fitting screwed directly into the top of the tank with no problems.

Do Rheem water heaters come with nipples?

Today, most tank-type water heaters such as Rheem, AO Smith, State, American, Bradford White, and others are equipped with two heat traps (hot and cold pipes) to increase energy efficiency, while those without can be retrofitted. The most used types are with the metal nipples with the flaps or balls inside.

Is a heat trap necessary?

Do I Need a Heat Trap on my Water Heater? Using either a heat trap loop or heat trap nipple can reduce wasted heat by as much as 60 percent. That really adds up when the bills come in. In addition, many state and local ordinances now require heat traps.

What is a dielectric sleeve?

A dielectric union has an additional plastic or non-conductive fiber sleeve which surrounds the brass part of the fitting and a washer to form a flange barrier. The sleeve and washer effectively isolate the two materials from one another and prevent the galvanic battery effect from occurring.

What is dielectric flange?

Dielectric flanges are installed between pipes made from dissimilar metals to help prevent accelerated deterioration and corrosion. Each includes a union nut, 2 tailpieces, and a gasket. They are ideal for use in air and water conditioners, hot water storage tanks, processing tanks, and steam, gas, and water piping.

Why do dielectric unions fail?

every single union fails miserably by either leaking, clogging up completely, rusting to pieces with no water contact outside pipe or depositing rust in water.

Is stainless steel a dielectric?

The contractor did not think copper and stainless steel were dissimilar metals, and that stainless steel and copper are corrosion-resistant materials, and so a dielectric union or dielectric waterway was not required. ... In this case, the change was from copper or galvanized water mains to stainless steel mains.

Can you put stainless steel and copper together?

While stainless steel is a common plumbing material for water mains and fittings because it has an exceptionally long lifespan and is resistant to corrosion, it's not a good idea to directly connect stainless steel to copper. This is because stainless steel and copper are actually dissimilar metals.

Can you use shark bites on hot water heater?

SharkBite hot water heater connections are approved for use on electric or gas water heaters with a flu vent.

Why are SharkBite fittings illegal in California?

CA has a powerful plumbing lobby and they don't like homeowners having access to easier products. CA has strict anti-lead legislation where many brass fixtures still contain a percentage of lead.

Are SharkBite fittings code approved?

Fact: SharkBite fittings are approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code and International Plumbing Code for permanent installation. ... In fact, the only way to properly remove SharkBite Universal fittings is to use the SharkBite disconnect tongs and disconnect clips.

Are brass nipples dielectric?

Brass is a copper/zinc alloy, so a brass nipple qualifies as a type of “copper alloy fitting” that is cited as acceptable by the code. While a dielectric union (shown above) provides a break in electrical conductivity that theoretically would be best, most plumbers prefer a brass fitting.

Can you use brass as a dielectric?

This situation would most likely result in internal electrolytic corrosion of the pipe nipple. The 2012 International Pluming Code supports the use of a brass nut and a gasket as a dielectric fitting per 605.24 Joints between different materials: 605.24 Joints between different materials.

Do I need a dielectric union for brass to galvanized?

There is some controversy as to the effectiveness of dielectric unions, but the bottom line is that if you connect a copper pipe to a galvanized one, some plumbing inspectors are going to require one. Certain municipalities consider a brass fitting a suitable dialectic union, but others do not.