The Wall
Forum / THE MAIN WALL / Dielectric nipples
  • Post a Reply to this Thread

    Dielectric nipples (2 Posts)

  • sprinter sprinter May 19, 2011 @ 1:24 PM
    Contact this user

    Dielectric nipples

    I have been asked by a Co-op to use dielectric nipples between brass ball valves and copper pipe. This is on domestic hot and cold water in an apartment building. Never used them before in this situation and my thinking is, dielectric nipples will rot out before brass or copper. For years we have just used the copper directly to the ball valve. Just hoping to get some opinions.
    Thanks in advance.
    Reply
  • Tom Blackwell Tom Blackwell May 19, 2011 @ 1:41 PM
    Contact this user

    Dielectric

    The dialectric nipples are simply nipples that have an interior non-corrosive liner. The premise here is that they prevent any erosion/deposition from the area closest to the difference in chemical potential. Dialectric couplings and other insulated assemblies do not prevent the action of electrolysis, because both sides of the assembly are grounded to the building structure. We use copper to brass or bronze valves all the time and have never had a problem. Don't see a down side for using dialectric nipples, except for the expense, and another threaded joint to leak.
    Reply
  •  
Post a Reply to this Thread