I have an older CraftMaster water heater we are looking to replace; it has been installed at least 23 years and I am ashamed to admit, I never maintained it such as drain flushing and replacing the anode rod periodically, yet it is still working well apparently. Though I suspect not as efficient most likely from scale deposits. The water heater has brass nipples connecting between the heater and galvanized steel water pipes.
One plumber stated he was going to install copper lines to the galvanized steel lines; I suspect he wanted to make it easy for him as copper can be trimmed fairly easy. He did not mention dielectric fittings and I did not ask. I hope he intended to do. Another plumber stated he was going to use all galvanized piping. Given that the water tank has lasted this long with brass nipples; My question is: Is it advisable to request brass nipples again on the new water heater? My thought is somehow the brass connections were a factor in the water heater longevity or did I just get lucky and it is purely coincidental?
One plumber stated he was going to install copper lines to the galvanized steel lines; I suspect he wanted to make it easy for him as copper can be trimmed fairly easy. He did not mention dielectric fittings and I did not ask. I hope he intended to do. Another plumber stated he was going to use all galvanized piping. Given that the water tank has lasted this long with brass nipples; My question is: Is it advisable to request brass nipples again on the new water heater? My thought is somehow the brass connections were a factor in the water heater longevity or did I just get lucky and it is purely coincidental?
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