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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.
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.
Where are dielectric unions used?
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.
Why do you need dielectric unions?
Dielectric unions are used to separate two dissimilar metal pipes (such as copper pipes and galvanized steel). Purpose of dielectric unions is to prevent galvanic corrosion, which is caused by electrolysis.
Do you need dielectric union for copper to brass?
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.
Do I need dielectric nipples on 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. Both the hot and cold water pipes must have this fitting — it’s a code requirement.
Do I need dielectric nipples?
Dielectric nipples are found not only in water piping systems but also in gas and steam systems. Due to the fact that protection against corrosion is one of the main features of this pipe fitting, it is good to mention how dielectric nipples prevent it. All tap water is more or less basic or acidic.
Why do you need dielectric union on water heater?
Dielectric unions are used to join pipes made from different metals to prevent accelerated corrosion in the piping system. This fitting is utilized to transition between steel and copper piping with a maximum operating pressure of 250 psi and 180-degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
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.
Do I need a dielectric union for brass to galvanized?
There is some controversy as to the effectiveness of dielectric unions, but the bottom line is that if you connect a copper pipe to a galvanized one, some plumbing inspectors are going to require one. Certain municipalities consider a brass fitting a suitable dialectic union, but others do not.
Should I use Teflon tape on brass fittings?
Often referred to as a plumber’s best friend, Teflon tape or thread sealant is a simple yet effective material found in tradie toolkits worldwide. In fact, it’s essential to use thread tape for those household brass fittings unless a rubber seal or gasket is in place.
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.
Can bronze be used as a dielectric?
Ferrous metals, like black steel, malleable iron, cast iron, stainless steel, and galvanized steel, contain iron. Non-ferrous metals, like copper, brass, aluminum, and bronze, do not.
Do Rheem water heaters have dielectric nipples?
Rheem PROTECH dielectric heat traps preventing heat loss through the inlet and outlet pipes of a water heater while the heater is idle by using a flapper valve. The fittings are 3/4 in. NPT x 3/4 in.
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.
Is a heat trap necessary?
Do I Need a Heat Trap on my Water Heater? Using either a heat trap loop or heat trap nipple can reduce wasted heat by as much as 60 percent. That really adds up when the bills come in. In addition, many state and local ordinances now require heat traps.
Can I use brass nipples on a water heater?
Your choice, flexible stainless, flexible copper or hard pipe(no copper to galvanized nipples-use brass nipples or at least brass unions to heat trap nipples). Stay away from dielectric unions.
How do heat trap nipples work?
Heat trap nipples prevent heat loss through the water pipes connected to a water heater’s inlet and output ports. A heat trap nipple uses a flapper- or ball-style check valve to hold the water heater’s heated water in the tank until one of the building’s hot-water faucet valves turn on.
