Bradford White
Leaking Nipple / Dielectric Union
Bradford White water heater leaks from the top around the hot or cold connections.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Loose hot or cold nipple, Corroded dielectric union, Cracked piping or fittings, Failed thread sealant
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power/gas and cold water supply. Relieve pressure by opening a hot faucet.
Steps:
- Tighten fittings: Use two wrenches to gently tighten the leaking nipple or union. Do not overtighten and damage the tank.
- Reseal threads: If tightening does not stop the leak, drain water below the fitting, remove it, clean threads, apply fresh Teflon tape or pipe dope, and reinstall.
- Replace corroded parts: Install new dielectric nipples or unions if corrosion is present.
If water seeps from the tank jacket rather than the fitting, the tank is likely leaking internally and must be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Dielectric Nipple / Union
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