Heating Efficiency Ideas With Various Types Of Plumbing Connected To Water Heaters

Types Of Plumbing Pipes

As far as a water heater is concerned, there are two types
of pipes that can be installed on water heaters.  Coppers
and rust-resistant steels are the metallic types.  PB and
CPVC are the two plastic types.

Plumbing Connections

When examining a water heater's plumbing pipes for trouble,
look for any rusting at the threads on the hot and cold
lines on top of the water heater.  Also look at the T&P
valve's plastic pipe, if it has one, for any wear and tear.
 The T&P is located off to one side of the water heater and
has a small metal clip for a handle.

If you have copper plumbing, its best to use copper flex
connectors on the hot and cold lines above the water
heater.  Make sure that adapters with plastic-lined nipples
are installed directly on the hot and cold ports
themselves.  The flex connectors can be screwed directly
into the plastic-lined nipples themselves and also heat
traps can be installed here to increase heating efficiency
by a plumber.  The hot water line may have a combination
anode rod attached to it inside the water heater.  The cold
water line will have a dip tube attached to it inside the
water heater.  If you install a highly recommended curved
dip tube, use plastic-lined nipples.  Three inches is the
minimum length.

If you have steel plumbing, its best to use plastic-lined
nipples connecting at the hot and cold ports on top of the
water heater and two more plastic-lined nipples connecting
into the wall.  Use copper flex connectors to connect
between the appropriate lines.

There are adapters which can be used to adapt between PB or
CPVC to metal pipes.  Long flex connectors may also attach
to these adapters.

Insulated Plumbing

To increase the heat efficiency of your plumbing, install
3/4 inch insulation on your hot and cold lines on your
water heater.  Keep the insulation 3 inches away from the
water itself.  Be sure to get the right insulation for the
right sized pipes.  Galvanized pipes and copper pipes have
different actual sizes even though they may both say 3/4
inches.

Don't insulate the metal tin draft diverter above a gas
water heater.  Its the large metal duct that acts like a
chimney flue for your water heater.  Don't cover fittings
or unions on the plumbing either.  You may need easy access
for them later.

Whatever the insulation you decide to use, follow the
instructions for installation.  If you're not sure what to
do still, buy some heavy duty gas wrap tape or plastic zip
ties to hold the insulation in place.

Problems With Oversized Plumbing

If your installing new plumbing, be sure to use pipes that
are no larger than what is necessary.  Large pipes have
larger surface area from which to lose heat from for heated
water.  Water can more easily sit inside the oversized
pipes and freeze as well.


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