A faster heating process can be achieved by transferring cold water from the top of the tank to the bottom, through the dip tube.There are dip tubes that can wear out.They can break or disintegrate.If you want to avoid hiring a professional, you can fix your dip tube yourself.
Step 1: It is a good idea to check when your water heater was manufactured.
The majority of gas and electric water heaters were installed with faulty dip tubes.The dip tubes were made of a material that quickly deteriorated.The serial number is on the water heater.The back of your tank is where this is.The month and year are displayed in the first four numbers.You may have a faulty dip tube if the third and fourth numbers are in the serial number.
Step 2: There are small pieces of plastic in your shower nozzles.
Remove the shower nozzle or faucet strainer.Small pieces of white plastic can be found inside your shower nozzle or faucet if the dip tube has broken.
Step 3: If you don't have the aerator or strainer, you can run hot water through the faucet.
If you find small pieces of white and gray material, it may be plastic from your dip tube.
Step 4: The particles have to be looked at.
They may be plastic if they are rectangular and sharp.The particles will be rough and round, but with irregular shapes.If you have a microscope, use it to look at particles.Some plastic particles can get into your water supply, but experts say that they are non-toxic and do not pose a health risk.They can be damaging to appliances that use water.
Step 5: The particles should be placed in a small bowl of water.
They are probably plastic if they float.They are likely to be dissolved.
Step 6: The particles should be put in a small bowl.
Plastic won't float, whereas silt will do the opposite.
Step 7: The water temperature should be checked.
Attach a hose to the drain valve and keep the water on.The water should come out of the drain hose quickly.If this is the case, you may have a different problem with your water heating system.
Step 8: All power should be turned off to the water heater.
If you don't turn it off, you'll risk electric shock.The power should be turned off at the breaker in the circuit box.The pilot light on the gas tank should be turned off.
Step 9: Turn off the cold water.
Turn the cold inlet pipe valve clockwise.Cold water will not enter the tank while you are working.The right side of the tank should have the inlet pipe valve on it.
Step 10: There is a pressure relief valve in the tank.
The vacuum that can build up inside the tank can be broken by the pressure relief valve.The top of the water heater is where this valve is usually located.To let the pressure go, open the valve.Put a bucket under the valve to catch any water that might drain out.
Step 11: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve
There is a valve at the bottom of the tank.Attach the hose to the valve.Either put the other end of the garden hose in the bathtub or outside.The water will be very hot, so make sure to drain it where it won't hurt anyone.
Step 12: There is a water tank.
The water should start to drain out of the tank when the drain valve is turned.The water at the other end of the hose should not be overflowing.The tank needs to be drained completely.If you have a tank in the basement, you may need to use an electric pump to drain the water.You can place the water in the bathtub in a higher location.
Step 13: The power should be turned off for the water heating system.
Make sure no one accidentally switched on the power while you were draining the tank.
Step 14: The pipe nipple and the dip tube need to be removed.
There is a pipe nipple on the top of the dip tube.You can gain access to the dip tube inlet by removing the connector.The nipple should be turned counterclockwise with a wrench.
Step 15: The dip tube needs to be taken out.
You can pull it out if you put your finger into the top of the tube and move it upward.Once you get it up a few inches, you should be able to grab it with your hand and pull it out the rest of the way.There is a metal ring that sits inside the top of the dip tube.The handles of pliers could work.
Step 16: The dip tube needs to be inspected for cracks and holes.
The dip tube can crack over time.If you look closely at the dip tube, you can see if there is any damage to it.If you can't see the cracks or holes in the dip tube, you should run water through it.If you start with a dry dip tube, you will be able to see water leaks.
Step 17: There is a replacement dip tube for sale.
Home supply or hardware stores can sell dip tubes for $5-$20.A standard size dip tube is what most residential water heaters have.To get the right dip tube, you need to check your water tank's brand and model number.Some people prefer a curved dip tube.When water travels through a curved tube, it swirls in the tank, which helps reduce the amount of gunk in your tank.If it's under warranty, you should check it out.If your dip tube is faulty, you can get a replacement for free.
Step 18: Wrap the top of the dip tube with tape.
There is a thin seal tape that comes in a roll.It is used to prevent drips or leaks in the threads of two parts.
Step 19: The dip tube should be inserted into the inlet.
When the tip of the tube is flush with the tank, push the dip tube all the way.Don't be aggressive with this installation.Curved tubes should point away from the drain valve to swirl the water inside the tank.A mark can be found inside the dip tube.You can keep track of the direction that the curve is pointing when you install the tube with this mark.
Step 20: The cold water pipe should be replaced.
Make sure it doesn't fall off by using a pipe wrench to tighten it.
Step 21: Remove the drain valve and connect the hose.
If you don't close the drain valve on your water tank, the remaining water will leak onto the floor.Take the hose out of the drain valve.To close it off, turn the pressure relief valve clockwise.To get the remaining water out of the hose, put it in the tub.
Step 22: Go to the cold inlet pipe valve and turn on the hot faucets.
You can hot the faucet in your house.You need to open the cold inlet pipe valve to refill the water heater.
Step 23: Turn off the water.
When the hot water comes out of the faucet, turn it off.Before shutting them off, let the faucets run for 3 minutes.Your tank has been filled.
Step 24: Remove faucet aerators and strainers.
Plastic particles and other debris will need to be flushed out of each faucet in your house, along with other fixtures that attach to appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine.Run clean water through them.It's not likely that you need to replace the fixtures that have been damaged.
Step 25: The power needs to be turned on.
Turn on the pilot light for gas heaters if you want to switch power back on to the water heater.