Thermal Expansion Tank / Heat trap nipple

[Bob from accounting]

I received many recommendations to install a thermal expansion tank. So I am planning on doing it on the cold line about 5' from the Water heater.
I just learned what a heat trap nipple is? This is what my Rheem water heater has.
I believe it acts as a sorta check valve and does not left hot water out of the cold water inlet?
My question is, should I remove the heat trap ball and install a TE tank? How does this work if I install a Thermal expansion tank and the WH has a Heat Trap nipple? Does this make any since, I am not totally sure if what I am saying makes since?

 

[Reach4]

My question is, should I remove the heat trap ball and install a TE tank? How does this work if I install a Thermal expansion tank and the WH has a Heat Trap nipple? Does this make any since, I am not totally sure if what I am saying makes since?

That was a good question, but no need to remove the heat trap. Those are not built to be tight the way a check valve would be.

 

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[James23912]

I had the exact same thing, I read about the nipples and bought them, then started wondering the same thing, so a retired plumber told me they don’t really do much anyway so I didn’t use them, I guess I could have from what Reach says.

 

[Bob from accounting]

Well thank you for your input. I am replacing my existing heat trap as it is rusted from a small leak I have been resolving. So fingers crossed I can just put a pipe wrench on it and it budges. If not I have no other plan. lol. Thanks for the help. Wish me luck.

 

[Reach4]

Well thank you for your input. I am replacing my existing heat trap as it is rusted from a small leak I have been resolving. So fingers crossed I can just put a pipe wrench on it and it budges. If not I have no other plan. lol. Thanks for the help. Wish me luck.

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-remove-short-water-heater-nipple.html