Recommend type of pipe nipple for fresh watt connection to water heater

I have installed a new water heater and have researched many online place and talked to several plumbers, and still have no idea if I should use plastic or brass nipples for the fresh water connections, and even if I should use Teflon tape or pipe dope. What does the Forum recommend?

I think I would use brass coming off the water heater just in case the plastic might melt. But then again I suck at plumbing...

I jst did this for my new Raritan water heater.
Use brass with pipe tape on all the fittings.

Brass should be fine, although the state of California has determined that use of brass nipples will kill you and they've outlawed them. They use stainless there. So you could use brass or stainless if you're concerned about the brass. Since you're not generally drinking heated water, the exposure factor is minimal. Don't use plastic. Under uncontrolled conditions, the water heater can reach temps that will damage the plastic. CPVC has a higher temperature rating of 200F, inadequate for use as a nipple or direct tank connection. PVC is lower. Regardless of the technical details, it's simply inappropriate for that application. Brass, stainless, a PEX adapter, whatever. Many water heaters ship with a dielectric nipple, it's plated steel with a plastic liner, they work fine, and use of a CPVC adapter on that is OK, although I doubt that your vessel's fitted with CPVC, more likely PEX or some variation of polyethylene. So, brass is good!

Maerin said:

Brass should be fine, although the state of California has determined that use of brass nipples will kill you and they've outlawed them. They use stainless there. So you could use brass or stainless if you're concerned about the brass. Since you're not generally drinking heated water, the exposure factor is minimal. Don't use plastic. Under uncontrolled conditions, the water heater can reach temps that will damage the plastic. CPVC has a higher temperature rating of 200F, inadequate for use as a nipple or direct tank connection. PVC is lower. Regardless of the technical details, it's simply inappropriate for that application. Brass, stainless, a PEX adapter, whatever. Many water heaters ship with a dielectric nipple, it's plated steel with a plastic liner, they work fine, and use of a CPVC adapter on that is OK, although I doubt that your vessel's fitted with CPVC, more likely PEX or some variation of polyethylene. So, brass is good!

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Sound somewhat definitive. Dope instead of Teflon?

Maerin said:

Brass should be fine, although the state of California has determined that use of brass nipples will kill you and they've outlawed them.

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Only if you are a Californian. Though when I googled Prop 65, Brass didn't show up on the list of chemicals. I didn't see any other list.

The best thing to use is a stainless steel braid over whatever material flex line. These are what we use on residential water heaters.

This will extend the connection to wherever your more rigid plumbing happens to be.

Bras brass brass. Lead free brass in California. Not stainless. Not plastic. Only brass.

I always used teflon tape, but i'm in the hydraulic industry and very used to using it. Teflon is very slippery and can easily allow you to overtighten the fitting and think its still loose. if your not sure how to use it use pipe dope.
John

Brass, no question. Teflon tape; pipe dope is used for natural gas but not domestic water.

+1 on lead free brass. Turns out some is, some isn't. I learnt that here on TF. If it doesn't say it is it might not be.

The only time I would use plastic fittings is to put them into plastic. Plastic fittings into a plastic pump or tank, metal into metal, remembering about dissimilar metals in areas/fluids subject to electrolysis.

Plastic threads into metal will expand and contract at a different rate and over time will degrade until they basically shred and start to leak. The plastic fittings you will find at a hardware store (the most common are the shiny grey PVC fittings, less common are the translucent and limited selection of nylon) will not melt or even noticeably soften at the temps your hot water tank will see. They WILL expand and contract with that heat though. (If you're curious why, browse to this thread, post #3 http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/cure-minor-fuel-leak-44949.html )

I use Rectorseal products for sealing threaded pipe. Rectorseal #5 on anything fuel or oil, and Rectorseal Tplus2 on anything potable. Its what works for me and I don't have leaks. Others use/prefer/are proficient with teflon tape and that works too.

seabum said:

I have installed a new water heater and have researched many online place and talked to several plumbers, and still have no idea if I should use plastic or brass nipples for the fresh water connections, and even if I should use Teflon tape or pipe dope. What does the Forum recommend?

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Brass nipples and stainless braid washing machine hose. Easy to remove and install / drain for whatever reason. All parts come from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Keep it simple.

"stainless braid washing machine hose."

Great for vibration , fast hookup and easy to locate ,

BUT is it rated for potable water?

The HW heaters with engine coils will be engine coolant temp (180F+) after a while, perfect for instant coffee, hot chocolate and tea for non purists.

So HW may get consumed.

“BUT is it rated for potable water?“
How about the hose to fill your tanks at the dock? Regardless as to who’s hose it is. (At least you’re own hose wasn’t stuffed into the holding tank pump out port....hopefully)

Sometimes we over think things. My 2 cents

FF said:

"stainless braid washing machine hose."

Great for vibration , fast hookup and easy to locate ,

BUT is it rated for potable water?

The HW heaters with engine coils will be engine coolant temp (180F+) after a while, perfect for instant coffee, hot chocolate and tea for non purists.

So HW may get consumed.

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They make ones specifically for water heaters. Same stainless looking braid on the outside.

I have them on my boat, and probably the exact same thing on my house.

In some ways a boat is no different than a house, and the water heater connection is one of those ways.

seabum said:

Sound somewhat definitive. Dope instead of Teflon?

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Lots of tradesmen use teflon then dope- "double doping" pick your favorite flavor.

"Lots of tradesmen use teflon then dope- "double doping" pick your favorite flavor."

This is an extension of good past practice where cotton thread would be wound into the pipe threads , then pipe dope put on.

Usually considered necessary for gas lines , and a sign of excellent workmanship on water lines.
(Dad was a plumber).

Brass and Teflon tape.