A water heater's tank is made of steel and plumbing lines are often made out of brass
or copper. This poses a problem. Brass or copper may not touch steel without
causing the steel to rust and corrode. The brass or copper will remain unharmed
when touching steel. This can cause a weakened water heater lining. Plastic-lined
nipples were created to deal with this problem. If you have a brand new
water heater and it is attached to copper lines, check to see if any corrosion
has occurred. If it has, you should have plastic-lined nipples installed immediately
to prevent corrosive damage to the water heater which could cause a leak.
Heat
traps
can be used where the plastic-lined
nipples are installed. Hire a plumber to do this to increase the water heater's
efficiency. Make sure adapters are attached to the copper plumbing. If the
water heater has a combination anode rod inside, the plastic-lined nipple will
still be important. Now you can attach a plastic-lined nipple. If you have a curved
dip tube installed inside your water heater, you will need a three inch long
plastic-lined nipple as well.
The easiest method of adding plastic-lined
nipples if you have steel plumbing is as follows: Attach to both the hot
and cold lines a plastic-lined nipple where the lines protrude from the wall.
Attach to both of the hot and cold lines another set of plastic-lined nipples
where the lines connect to the water heater. Use copper flex-connectors to connect
the hot line from the wall to the water heater and do the same for the cold
line. Heat traps should be installed to your plumbing lines for increased heating
efficiency and to keep the water in the lines warmer.
Plastic-lined
nipples may also be installed on the T&P valve. A lack of corrosion or rusting
will keep the T&P working properly without getting any trapped water inside.
This can assist, but it isn't absolutely necessary.
Go to http://www.waterheater-info.com or contact johnnyhayneser@gmail.com for information on solar water heaters, tankless
water heater, traditional tank-type water heaters, and water heater repair.
I can set you up with the most qualified plumbing contractor in your area.Article
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