Sidearm - dielectric isolation issue

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sorethumbs

Member
Feb 12, 2009
32
NW Wisconsin
Those of you running sidearms to heat your DHW - I have an issue I need help with. How did you maintain dielectric isolation between the steel water heater and the cooper fittings? I was going to use a dielectric union, but a tee is need very close to it which makes sweating it impossible, I think I would melt the plastic isolation bushing in the union.
I also don't want to use the galvanized heat trap nipples as they restrict flow, and in a thermosyphon situation that's not a good idea. help, what fitting is needed?
 
a threaded brass nipple is an option. Plenty of plumbers screw a copper to male adapter into the tank and pipe copper from there. Stay away from dielectric unions.

hr
 
Why do you say stay away from dielectric? I am plumbing in a new plate ex. and dielectric union was the only 1inch union I could find.
 
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