nipple leaks

[Rita_G]

We have a Triangle Tube Smart 80 water heater that is slowly leaking water. The plumber says it's the 'nipple', but he has to replace the entire water heater. Is this true? Can't we just replace the nipple?

 

[johnjh2o]

You can try to replace the nipples but there is a good chance that the tapping is also bad. How old is the tank? I realize that they are very expensive. Depending on your hot water needs there are other systems that are less expensive. Where is this being used? It's much to large to be used just for a single family residence.

John