saltyreefer

saltyreefer

I’m aware I need to replace them. I installed the wh. I am an hvac tech and every warehouse we go in has the sacrificial anodes to clamp on the lineset, we call them grenades. I wonder if one would’ve helped here? Works fine on a boat...

boat_beginner

You need some dielectric unions.

saltyreefer

Going into the heater?

boat_beginner

Yes sir. Thread these onto the top of the new nipples, and sweat the copper to them.
Get sweat x female.

Dan_F

A brass nipple wouldn’t do that.

polarred21

They are always galvanized here. Do you know the internal anode is in place?

PXMAN

WOW! That’s a lot of corrosion. I just had a 18 year old water heater replaced and it looked a lot better than yours.

On the other hand, my new water heater is the same make and model as yours. Hope mine last longer than 3.5 years.

Why do you have the expansion tank on yours? Never had one on any of ours?

edwardh1

seems the manufacturer of the heater (Rheem) should be asked too- send them the pix and ask. both inlet and outlet look defective
Its not their fault of course but I bet they know whats wrong. Maybe suspect Junk chinesium metal?

a few years ago I bought a box of Hot dip galvanized nails from Lowes they were all rusted inside the box. their Jax or miami distributor told me we will send you another box free. I said thanks but ......

I have had good luck with ace hardware loose galv nails by the pound

whats my point? the stores dont test any thing- they buy on price only

buzzard302

Had that on my hot side outlet fitting recently. The fitting was the top of the anode rod. Just a guess, but I'll bet your anode rod is shot and the piping is taking the toll.

PF-88

You have Galvanic Corrosion going on, need to install dialectic heat trap nipples.

PF-88

This on top off new dialectic nipples and problem solved (that is if you can get those old nipples out) You have Galvanic Corrosion issue going on that has to be resolved.

Stim

You might have an electrical-grounding issue. ??
Unrelated but you should have flexible connections from tank to house plumbing.

C Dave

I bet on a water leak at the threads from the beginning.

mojohalibut

My company does plumbing service and have run into this problem frequently. As someone mentioned, it is usually a an electrical problem. Have an electrician check all of your grounding connections including the connections at both ground rods at the meter base (if you have 2). It also happens when the unit is connected with PEX

Still Stoked

This. And to answer the expansion tank question...You did it correctly. Any closed system needs one to accommodate thermal expansion. PER CODE TOO !

mojohalibut

Looking at the picture I see that the heater is served by old wire flex, is this an older house? Many houses used the copper water lines as a ground which was fine as long as they stayed intact. If the copper lines have been repaired with anything other than copper the ground no longer exists. Have a competent electrician evaluate it

HookMeUpII

First thing I thought of. He probably doesn't have a grounded system and the current is causing corrosion from the leaking current.

edwardh1

whonder what a Rheem "professional" heater means?

chawk25

Lowes and HD sell 3/4 brass or stainless steel - more expensive but that might be the solution to your problem. Also - are you on well water? - high levels of minerals from well might cause this. Install water filter to capture the minerals and other chemicals in your water. I would also use stainless steel braided flex hook up hoses - so if you have to do any repairs later you don't have to cut and redo all the copper. Just unscrew it and screw back.