Water Heater Element Hole Adapter - Wanted

[LowGear]

I'm plumbing a solar collector into my conventional water heater.  I'd like to return the heated water to the bottom element hole.  These holes are not tapered so conventional plumbing parts won't properly fit or seal.

Yes, I know electrical 1" conduit has the same thread system.

Yes, I've seen the entry (sometimes inny and outy) through the drain hole.  Is this easy way the best alternative because it uses the tapered threads of NPT?

So what are my options?

Casey

[vdubnut62]

Remove the drain valve. Install a close nipple then a "Tee" then reinstall the drain valve.The tee will be the "hot" inlet from the collector
Same thing with the coldwater feed line. Tee into it to feed cold to the collector Water from the tank will flow to the collector when the hot return is pumped in the bottom drain valve tee.
Hope this is clear enough the kindle is a pain
Ron

[Tom Reed]

I have an electric water heater tank as the cooling reservoir for the listeroid. There are standard NPT nipples screwed into the former element bungs with no leakage after almost 10 years.

[LowGear]

Hi Ron,

Yup, this is more or less the way the Nyle Geyzer heat pump unit does it only they do both the inny and outy from the drain. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACYkqmWIQqw

Hmmmmm, I guess you insert youtube videos different here than photos at LE?  [tag]URL[tag]?

Hi Tom,

Maybe yours is different than mine but my elements are sealed with a rubber "O" ring rather than tapered threads and on my test tank I can't get the nipple started.

Casey

[Ronmar]

Ron's method is probably the easiest, "T" into the drain.  Besides, won't you need the heating elements to be installed and working?  It is kinda handy to have 2 elements installed when one quits")