Posted by: Dale's Plumbing Service Inc LMP on June 08, 2000 at 19:05:46:

In Reply to: Dielectric Union doesn't work! Posted by: Jan Mountjoy on June 08, 2000 at 01:39:17:

: I have copper pipes throughout my house. However, I have to connect copper to steel at the water heater. To solve this problem of dissimilar metals, I've sweated 3/4" flex copper tubing to the copper water in and water out pipes. Then the dielectric fitting on the other end connects to dual 3" galvanized nipples, which in turn screw into the steel water heater. Sounds textbook, I think, BUT every couple of years I have to replace the galvanized pipe and the copper tubing because of HUGE amounts of corrosion. Why isn't the dielectric union working?

: Of course, I can install brass nipples in place of the galvanized ones, but I believe this will only transfer the corrosion to the junction of the brass nipples and the steel water heater! And since the water heater is not as cheap (or easy) to replace as the galvanized nipples, I hesitate to choose this solution.

: Any other ideas?

: Thanks for any advice!

: Jan

Install the brass nipples and your problems should be less frequant. You can also get insulated nipples for the hot and cold side.Dale's Plumbing Service Inc LMP

Followups::

Subject:

: : I have copper pipes throughout my house. However, I have to connect copper to steel at the water heater. To solve this problem of dissimilar metals, I've sweated 3/4" flex copper tubing to the copper water in and water out pipes. Then the dielectric fitting on the other end connects to dual 3" galvanized nipples, which in turn screw into the steel water heater. Sounds textbook, I think, BUT every couple of years I have to replace the galvanized pipe and the copper tubing because of HUGE amounts of corrosion. Why isn't the dielectric union working? : : Of course, I can install brass nipples in place of the galvanized ones, but I believe this will only transfer the corrosion to the junction of the brass nipples and the steel water heater! And since the water heater is not as cheap (or easy) to replace as the galvanized nipples, I hesitate to choose this solution. : : Any other ideas? : : Thanks for any advice! : : Jan : Install the brass nipples and your problems should be less frequant. You can also get insulated nipples for the hot and cold side.Dale's Plumbing Service Inc LMP