replacing dielectric nipples on water heaterreplacing dielectric nipples on water heater

Can I trust my bikes frame after I was hit by a car if there's no visible cracking? Again, be careful not to overtighten the connections as this can cause damage to the water heater. If not, the exhaust may be entering your home. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewersand we make house calls! $10 each. But if you find even slight holes, cracks or corrosion, toss them into the trash. If you have some basic plumbing experience, you can replace a water heater yourself and save $200 to $400 in plumbers fees. It only costs about $10 and takes about 10 minutes. By preventing corrosion, dielectric nipples can help to reduce maintenance costs. Check the anode rod? All the water connections are the same and you dont have to deal with gas piping or venting. Dielectric nipples are important because they prevent the corrosion of the water heater tank caused by galvanic action. Heres a list. Edited for adding pics below. The materials youll need for the installation depend on your situation and local codes. These straps prevent a water heater from tipping over and are required in earthquake-prone areas. There is no dielectric union between these two metals. The unions,. A water heater dip tube consists of a plastic pipe that travels vertically within the water-heater tank from the cold-water inlet to within a few inches of the bottom of the tank. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. The dielectric nipples should be adequate to prevent that and there is no sign of issues with the hot connection. Place the other end of the hose in a bucket and open the valve to allow the water to drain out. I can't see that a straight plastic tube will act as a heat trap. Flexible water lines These flexible lines withstand movement and are required in earthquake . This causes one metal to corrode faster than the other, leading to corrosion in the water heater tank. I'd rather not empty the tank if not required. Connect the vent pipe to the hood with sheet metal screws. A small electrical current is created (Google "thermocouple"). Once the nipples are in place, connect them to the water heater using a pipe wrench. Overview Two 3/4-in x 3-in heat trap nipples Improves the energy efficiency of a water heaters by reducing heat loss through inlet and outlet pipes PEX lining helps prevent corrosion that can occur when different metals are joined in water CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning (s) Prop65 Warning Label PDF Installation Manual PDF Specifications Can you post some pictures? How much of the power drawn by a chip turns into heat? Remove the dip tube by inserting a screwdriver and prying the tube out of the opening. Open the gas valve and light the pilot light following the manufacturers instructions. But if you do, put in a union so you don't have to do it next time, and if you do THAT, make it a dielectric union. Once the old nipples are removed, clean the threads on the water heater with a wire brush or a piece of sandpaper to ensure a clean connection for the new dielectric nipples. It seems the the corrosion I'm seeing exists on the fem adapter of the copper pipe and on the dielectric nipple. Looks like it was teflon taped, tightened to tank, then soldered , cooking the upper adapter sealant. Sturdy long-lasting construction. If you use galvanized pipe, cut off the threads on the bottom to prevent someone from capping off the blow tube if the T&P valve leaks. Yea, the more i thought about that the more I realized I don't want a superheated tank w/ nothing in it. Heat trap nipples prevent heat loss through the water pipes connected to a water heater's inlet and output ports. Like I mentioned in a previous comment, I would inspect the sacrificial anode rod and replace it if needed. 1) I'll use this fitting to connect to the threaded dielectric nipple and then copper pipe into the other push fit side. When this condition arises, a cracked or broken dip tube is usually to blame.

Changing a dip tube is easy:

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1. Cut the power to the water heater.

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2. Turn the cold-water inlet valve off.

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3. Disconnect the cold-water supply line at the top of the water heater.

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   Youll need to break out a wrench for this step.

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4. Remove the nipple to expose the top of the dip tube.

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   The nipple is a short piece of pipe threaded at both ends.

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5. Remove the dip tube by inserting a screwdriver and prying the tube out of the opening.

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   Its best to hold the screwdriver at an angle and use friction to pull out the dip tube.

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6. Drop a new tube into the opening.

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7. Replace the nipple and supply line, turn on the water and restore power to the unit and you should have hot water!

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James Carey and Morris Carey Jr. share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On The House. I didn't get the memo on this. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. A pipe wrench should be used to tighten the connections between the dielectric nipples and the water heater. Plumbing codes vary, so check with your local inspector. Disconnect the cold-water supply line at the top of the water heater. Enjoy banner ad-free browsing with Woodworking Talk Plus. So you've got two different types of metal touching each other? Leave it alone. Galvanic action occurs when two different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte such as water. 9. Thanks for viewing! Screw dielectric nipples into the new water heater. Thanks. Replacing an electric water heater is a little easier. So, two devices for the same purpose? What these nipples to is prevent the worst EFFECT of having dissimilar pipes in contact, that of the pipe closing off from the INSIDE with corrosion buildup, which you can't see so you don't know it's happening until the water stops flowing. More specifically, the nipples are what is corroding. Plumbers in forums everywhere saying they do different things. When the hot water in your shower suddenly turns ice cold, you have the right to be frustrated. But you will have to turn off the main gas valve and later relight pilot lights. Then disassemble the threaded tee and drip leg and remove the nipple from the water heater gas control valve. If the old section of pipe below the union no longer fits, youll need to measure for a new nipple (Photo 8). CEO Update: Paving the road forward with AI and community at the center, Building a safer community: Announcing our new Code of Conduct, AI/ML Tool examples part 3 - Title-Drafting Assistant, We are graduating the updated button styling for vote arrows, Water heater inlet corrosion after 4 years? Hold back the control valve to avoid damaging it. Rheem Manufacturing ranks as the global leader in the manufacture of high-quality, sustainable, and innovative water heaters, tankless water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, pool heaters, and HVAC systems for residential and commercial applications, and is a full member of AHRI, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute. This is because corrosion can cause leaks and other issues that require repairs. I plan to replace the cold water supply dielectric nipple on my water heater. "Dielectric nipples" are a marketing term for the most part. Snap the new draft hood onto the water heater and secure it with sheet metal screws. They also appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning.

James Carey and Morris Carey Jr. share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On The House. These flexible lines withstand movement and are required in earthquake zones. When this condition arises, a cracked or broken dip tube is usually to blame.

Changing a dip tube is easy:

\n

1. Cut the power to the water heater.

   \n
\n

2. Turn the cold-water inlet valve off.

   \n
\n

3. Disconnect the cold-water supply line at the top of the water heater.

   \n

   Youll need to break out a wrench for this step.

   \n
\n

4. Remove the nipple to expose the top of the dip tube.

   \n

   The nipple is a short piece of pipe threaded at both ends.

   \n
\n

5. Remove the dip tube by inserting a screwdriver and prying the tube out of the opening.

   \n

   Its best to hold the screwdriver at an angle and use friction to pull out the dip tube.

   \n
\n

6. Drop a new tube into the opening.

   \n
\n

7. Replace the nipple and supply line, turn on the water and restore power to the unit and you should have hot water!

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\n

When the hot water in your shower suddenly turns ice cold, you have the right to be frustrated. Many water heaters come with water. Teflon tape: Teflon tape is used to seal the connections between the dielectric nipples and the water heater, preventing leaks. 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. I use Teflon and then just a little bit of pipe dope on the male threads. A flexible gas line can withstand movement and is usually required in earthquake-prone areas. How To Use CPVC for a Shower Valve Installation, How to Wire a Honeywell Digital Thermostat. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Now, we will discuss the benefits of using dielectric nipples in water heaters. They also appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning. Close all doors and windows and turn on kitchen and bath exhaust fans. I suspect that the corrosion is just on the outside of the nipple, although I wouldn't be surprised if the nipple threads have started to corrode away as well. Here are pics of the items I think this thread is about. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process. If your valve doesnt look like this one, see Old gas valves can leak.. I think this is the case. So whether or not your local code calls for the bonding wire, you may want to install one to get more life out of your water heater. Screw dielectric nipples into the new water heater. Youll need to break out a wrench for this step. We might be able to do something about it. Bucket: A bucket is used to catch any water that may spill out during the installation process. That means your whole house will be without water until you install the new valve. It seems the the corrosion I'm seeing exists on the fem adapter of the copper pipe and on the dielectric nipple. I am comfortable doing these repairs myself, but how do I know if the inside of the heater is good shape? The check valve will melt or deform. Shut off the gas by turning the handle a quarter turn. Remove the nipple to expose the top of the dip tube. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the connections between the dielectric nipples and the water heater. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Then shut it off and check the new water connections for leaks. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. Hold the final section in place to mark the length. Test for leaks by brushing soapy water onto every connection. NPT x 3/4 in. Could be that it unexposes the water to the deadly Fe/Cu connection on the very ends of the nipples. If you choose a power vented gas model, all the water and gas connections are the same as we show, but the venting steps are different. and the reason is it will fail first by corrosion/perforation resulting in cooler water output. You'll need to break out a wrench for this step. Reconnect the gas. That is some sort of heat trap you are talking about, I normally throw them away too. The required distance between the blow tube and floor is usually 18 in. They also appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning.

James Carey and Morris Carey Jr. share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On The House. So the best solution is BOTH the union and the sleeved nipples. So you should use dielectric joint at the water heater. You must log in or register to reply here. Here is a list of materials required for the installation: It is important to take safety precautions during the installation process to prevent injury or damage to the water heater. Remove the dip tube by inserting a . If the isolation valve above your water heater is a gate valve (Photo 3), we recommend that you replace it with a ball valve (Photo 4). This causes one metal to corrode faster than the other, leading to corrosion in the water heater tank. Turn off the power supply and water supply to the water heater before beginning the installation process. Tighten the nipple using two pipe wrenches (Photo 7). How to search for all text lines that start with a tab character? Before beginning the installation process, it is essential to turn off the power supply and water supply to the water heater. If you have lots of plumbing experience, you might be able to complete this project in half a day. If you have galvanized steel pipes, disconnect unions just as we did with the gas union shown in Photo 2. Corrosion can lead to leaks and other problems that can cause the water heater to fail prematurely. Installing dielectric nipples on your water heater can help to prevent corrosion, extend the life of your water heater, and reduce maintenance costs. They are NOT truly dielectric, because you DO have the dissimilar metals in contact with each other. NPT x 3 in. The dielectric fittings are just coated to reduce the build up of corrosion and deposits you normally get at the water heater. Does anyone know how/if the dielectric nipples provide any electrical isolation? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Some plumbers suggest removing the existing lines and putting longer, flexible, with the gooseneck in the line or long flex connector bent in a loop, and insulate with the thick insulation to reduce the heat loss through the pipes. Water heater heat trap nipples help reduce heat loss and save energy on a tank style water heater. Or, is shutting off the water enough? A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. This can be caused by overtightening or using the wrong tools. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success. Is there a place where adultery is a crime? Safety gear: Protective gloves and eyewear should be worn to prevent injury during the installation process. Next, cut the copper water lines with a tubing cutter (Photo 3). I'm about to replace my water heater. The electricity part can even be static. For details on situations different from the one we show here (such as electric models, plastic water lines or copper gas lines) search for replace water heater above. Replacement isnt difficult; you just unscrew the old valve and screw on the new one. If you already have a ball valve or if you choose to leave the old gate valve in place, you can simply shut it off. Dielectric does NOT provide electrical isolation. Water Heater Reviews: What Is a Heat Trap? Expansion tank On any horizontal sections of vent, make sure the pipe slopes down toward the water heater 1/4 in. The procedure is the same for a propane heater. Use to connect a water heater to the water inlet and . Corrosion occurs when two different metals come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte such as water. To disassemble the vent piping, remove the sheet metal screws. Then add short sections of pipe below the valves (Photo 4) and make the final connections with slip couplers (Photo 5). If the dip tube is cracked or broken, the cold water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank (heat and hot water rise), resulting in your unwelcome early-morning shock. of length. If the heat trap nipple has an arrow on its side, face the arrow away from the water heater. Then continue installing new vent pipe sections and connect to the flue. We will discuss these steps in detail in the following sections. to this measurement and buy a new nipple. More specifically, the nipples are what is corroding. By entering your email address and clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates. NPT. Keep in mind; it's a bit challenging to pull out the nipple. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you notice any issues, turn off the power supply and water supply and check the connections again. Metal and plastic construction. 7. What is the third pipe leading to my water heater? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. This can be done using a pipe wrench to loosen the connections between the nipples and the water heater. Proper installation is essential to ensure that the nipples function correctly and prevent corrosion in the water heater. Each heat trap nipple contains a color-coded check valve and has two sets of threads. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Just set up a ratchet strap on your water heater and a cheater bar on the wrench on the nipple. Youll need a helper to carry the old unit out and the new one in. I would be tempted to try a stainless nipple at tank. Gas shutoff valve Also, listen for any strange sounds coming from the water heater. Start by wrapping the threads of the dielectric nipples with Teflon tape. The smoke should be drawn up into the vent. Hi and welcome sicilian97, to the best DIY'r site on the web, When its all said and done there is usually more said than done. The water heater can become hot during operation, so it is important to avoid contact with hot surfaces. When the burner fires up, test for backdrafting, which can allow deadly carbon monoxide into your home. You must use slip couplersstandard stopped couplers wont work. $20 per pair. If this anode tube corrodes/perforated the straw no longer receives the more stable hot water from the bottom of the tankit starts to receive the cooler incoming water through the perforations in the anode resulting in a temperature loss. How can I shave a sheet of plywood into a wedge shim? 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.