Plumbing question - galvanized --->copper for water heater

[LeeH]

Our Whirlpool water heater just died after all of 3 years and 5 months of service. Thankfully, Whirlpool and Lowes are pretty easy to deal with on returns. Unfortunately, they didn't have the same size. The new one is about 9" shorter than the last one.

In the interest of getting hot water running last night, I bought two galvanized risers. Am I correct that this is not a good long term solution? I'm under the impression that galvanized connected to copper will corrode pretty quickly. The copper is sweated in... a skill I don't have yet.

And... YES! The electrical is only temporary. The wire/conduit was too short, too.

[ossiblue]

The copper connectors in your picture appear to have a dielectrical sleeve built into the brass nut. That should stop corrosion from metal to metal contact. I've used the same set up on my heater with no excessive corrosion for 15 years. For peace of mind, you could replace the galvanized risers with threaded brass, or teach yourself to sweat copper (very easy to learn) and make risers with pipe and fittings.

[Brian 162]

I used to install copper from the tank. Over time the galvanized nipples will corrode internally and may reduce flow.
Some plumbing suppliers sell brass nipples in the above lengths. That will work also. If you go that route replace the galvanized coupling with a brass one.

[bickyd]

make sure the anode in the new tank is the same as the old one or your tank will grow bacteria and smell if you are on a private well. probably not applicable but a little know fact.

[porsche4life]

Yes sweated copper is the best bet. I've got all the stuff if you want me to come over some time and help you neaten it up.

Our crummy water will eat the steel up over time, although not likely to happen before the water heater dies again. :sad:

[look 171]

Ozziblue is absolutely correct. Nothing to worry about with electrolysis going on with two dissimilar metal with your set up. I'd leave it and enjoy the hot water. I think the heater will go bad way before the gav. nipple will.

Hague Quality Water - Falcon Stainless Inc.

Look up their FF36. It will solve your problem without having to sweat copper. If 36" isn't long enough, They make a 48" flex. Good stuff, we use them occasionally. There must be someone that carries that stuff out in Phoenix.

[911boost]

If you measure it, I can whip you up some copper ones quick too and send them...

Did some copper the other day for a friend.

Bill

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yep. Modern "big box store grade" HW heaters are crap and will likely fail in 5-8 years anyway. The internal construction is typically cheap (pressed connections, thin metal, not-so-great metallurgy control...)

You're probably okay.

Interesting comment about the anode type - I'll have to research that one.

[DanielDudley]

There is a slight chance you might get a rust stain under a faucet if you get a drip. Otherwise it will be 30+ years before you have any problems.