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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. It is installed between pipes made from dissimilar metal. We offer dielectric unions in a range of configurations, sizes, and materials.
How does a dielectric union work?
A dielectric union is a special adapter or fitting utilized in the piping systems of various metals to isolate the connection of the dissimilar metals. For instance, when linking a copper pipeline to a galvanized iron pipe, a dielectric union is set up between the two to hold the two different metal pipelines together.
Do I need dielectric unions?
In most jurisdictions plumbing codes require the use of a dielectric fitting when joining steel piping to copper or other metals; some plumbing jurisdictions permit use of a 6-inch brass nipple in this location as an alternative to diaelectric fittings.
Do new water heaters need dielectric unions?
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.
Is brass a dielectric union?
Brass is the best alternative for a dielectric union for water distribution system problems. It is used where water is not of great quality as it is the area where mostly corrosion takes place as dielectric will not work with the corrosion. It is made up of an alloy of copper and zinc.
What is dielectric union fitting?
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.
Do I need a dielectric union for copper to stainless steel?
When connecting copper to carbon steel or galvanized steel, flanges or dielectric unions should be used to electrically insulate each material. When connecting copper to stainless steel, a brass or bronze fitting between the two metals provides sufficient electrical separation in most environments.
Do dielectric unions leak?
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.
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.
Does brass break electrolysis?
When two dissimilar metals come in contact with each other, an electrolytic reaction begins, wherein water acts as the electrolyte. As a result the metals begin to corrode. Although, resistant to rust, brass is vulnerable to acidic water.
Are shark bites 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 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.
Is it OK to mix brass and galvanized fittings?
To safely connect copper and galvanized steel, you have two options. Since brass doesn’t react with either the copper or the zinc, one method is to make sure you have a threaded female end on both the copper and the steel pipes, and then connect the two by simply inserting a short threaded brass nipple between them.
What are nipples on a water heater?
Two 3/4-in x 3-in dielectric 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.
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.
Does copper and zinc make brass?
brass, alloy of copper and zinc, of historical and enduring importance because of its hardness and workability.
Is it OK to connect brass to galvanized steel pipe?
Galvanized pipe and brass pipe are both used for water piping systems. Sometimes you have to join the two together while doing a repair. However, if you have a few common plumbing tools at the ready, you can quickly and easily join the galvanized pipe to brass.
When should a dielectric union be installed?
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. It is installed between pipes made from dissimilar metal.
Can you connect copper to stainless steel?
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.
What is meant by dielectric?
dielectric, insulating material or a very poor conductor of electric current. When dielectrics are placed in an electric field, practically no current flows in them because, unlike metals, they have no loosely bound, or free, electrons that may drift through the material.
