Can we use brass fittings for water heater

Hi Jonathan

I'll tell you, we used brass nipples and fittings for decades and ran into very few issues. With that being said, however, I think things have improved for the better in that we now use dielectric nipples as the first connection into a water heater... increases resistance and reduces electrolysis and therefore the breakdown/pitting of brass/copper fittings and the tank tappings that did occur with hard water.

After the dielectric nipples you can use brass or copper fittings or both, if needed... ;)

Mark

I agree with Mark, however I also suggest using a dielectric union on top of the dielectric nipple. If for no other reason than to have a union on top of the heater.

We came off our heaters with 3/4 X4" brass nipples with no problems. Tom