Dielectric Union Installation On Water Heater

The installation of a fitting with inert material between the two metals prevents the flow of electrons between the metals preventing premature failure of the piping traditionally dielectric unions see pictures at right have been installed to perform this function.

Dielectric union installation on water heater.

The adapter serves to hold both pipes together preventing leaking and other kinds of damage. The cold water inlet is usually identified by a blue. Although hd does stock this union it doesn t stock the gasket which after 12 years should be replaced with the new water heater. 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.

Hd stocks water heaters in all stores and a dielectric union is a standard item for water heater installation. 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. Wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the cold water inlet or the hot water outlet nipple attached to the top of your electric water heater. I usually install brass nipples with dielectric unions.

It is installed between pipes made from dissimilar metal. Dielectric union water heater by installing dielectric unions on your water heater you could avoid premature corrosion. Is a dielectric union necessary on every water heater. One could buy a pair of new dielectric unions but that would require soldering which seems to defeat.

That s with copper water lines of course. The best way in my opinion is to use stainless nipples with dielectrics.