Brass or Stainless nipple?

[Chet S.]

Instead of a dielectric union many say a 6 inch brass nipple works. Since stainless is about the same price would it it be better than brass?

 

[Jeff H Young]

brass nipple your good 6 inch or longer I've gone 4 inch but 6 is definitely the standard you want usually

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John Gayewski]

The good thing about stainless is that it isn't as likley to crush. The bad thing about stainless it it leaks and can gawl. I'd go brass even if you crush it trying to get it out one day, it isn't like they are hard to find or crazy expensive.

 

[fitter30]

Stainless fittings need nickel teflon tape and when tighting stops wait 30 - 60 seconds and you will get some turn. Fitting when tighting threads expand then cools off.

 

[wwhitney]

Stainless fittings need nickel teflon tape and when tighting stops wait 30 - 60 seconds and you will get some turn. Fitting when tighting threads expand then cools off.

Is that true just for stainless - stainless threaded joints, or also stainless - brass joints? And for the latter, does it matter which side is stainless (male or female)?

Thanks,
Wayne

 

[DIYorBust]

What is being connected, galvanized pipe to copper tubing?

 

[fitter30]

As long as stainless is involved one side or the other the stainless will heat up. Ill still use tape preferred or anaerobic dope. Still wait for joint to cool down. Nickel is a lube.

 

[John Gayewski]

We always tape everything (npt) male, and dope on Male threads also. With stainless we dope the female threads along with the Male.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Brass nipples rule.... they can last well over 30 years and still look almost as good as a new one...

we use them all the time for the thermal expansion tanks on top of a water heater.... they should last
forever and much longer than the water heater..... I use blue monster Teflon tape and pipe dope on every joint..

 

[Jeff H Young]

Brass nipples rule.... they can last well over 30 years and still look almost as good as a new one...

we use them all the time for the thermal expansion tanks on top of a water heater.... they should last
forever and much longer than the water heater..... I use blue monster Teflon tape and pipe dope on every joint..

I like all that too ! The blue monster is great even though I often still use white regular tape with dope . brass for water work