The dip tube transfers cold water from the top of the tank to the bottom, which results in a faster heating process.The dip tubes can wear out.They may break.If you want to avoid hiring a professional, you can fix your dip tubes yourself.
Step 1: It is a good idea to check when your water heater was made.
Between 1993 and 1997 nearly all 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.It's on the back of your tank.The first four numbers show the month and year of when the heater was made.If the serial number is 93, 94, 95, 96, or 97, you may have a faulty dip tube.
Step 2: Small pieces of plastic can be found in your shower nozzles or faucet aerators.
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: Without the aerator or strainer, 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: Look at the particles.
They may be plastic if they are sharp on some edges.The particles will likely be rough and round, but with irregular shapes.You can use a microscope 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: Put the particles in water.
They are likely plastic if they float.If they are dissolved, they're probably dead.
Step 6: Put the particles in a container.
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 will come out of the drain hose.If this is the case, you may have a different problem with your water heater.
Step 8: The power should be turned off for the water heater.
If you don't turn it off, you can risk electric shock.The power should be turned off at the breaker in the circuit box.The pilot light on the tank should be turned off.
Step 9: The water should be turned off before it goes to the tank.
Turn the cold inlet pipe valve clockwise.Cold water will not enter the tank while you are working.On the right side of the tank is the inlet pipe valve.
Step 10: The tank has a pressure relief valve.
The vacuum that can build up inside the tank is broken by the pressure relief valve.The top of the water heater is where this valve is usually located.To let the pressure escape, open the valve.Put a bucket under the valve to catch any water that may drain out.
Step 11: Attach the garden hose to the drain valve
There is a drainage valve at the bottom of the tank.Attach the hose to this 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: The water tank needs to be drained.
The water should start to drain out of the tank if the drain valve is turned.The water at the other end of the hose should not overflow.The tank should be drained completely.If you have a tank in the basement, you may need to use an electric pump to drain the water.The water should be pumped into the bathtub in a higher location.
Step 13: Make sure the power is turned on.
Double check to make sure no one accidentally switched on the power while you were draining the tank.
Step 14: Remove the pipe nipple and the dip tube.
There is a pipe nipple on the top of the dip tube.You'll gain access to the dip tube inlet if you remove the connector.The nipple should be removed 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.You should be able to grab it with your hand once it's moved up a few inches.There is a metal ring inside the top of the dip tube.The handles of pliers could work.
Step 16: The dip tube should be inspected for cracks and small holes.
The dip tube can become cracked over time.If you look closely at the dip tube, you can see if there is any damage.If you can't see the cracks or holes in the dip tube, you should run the water through it.If you start with a dry dip tube you will be able to see water leaks.
Step 17: Purchase a replacement dip tube.
Home supply or hardware stores will sell dip tubes for $5-$20.A standard size dip tube is what most residential water heaters have.To get the right dip tube, 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 may be able to get a replacement for free.
Step 18: Wrap the top of the replacement dip tube with tape.
There is a thin seal tape that comes in a roll.It is used to stop 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.You should be gentle with this installation.To swirl the water inside the tank, curved tubes should point away from the drain valve.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 hose from the drain valve.
If you don't close the drain valve on your water tank, you'll have a lot of water on the floor.Take the hose out of the drain valve.The pressure relief valve should be turned clockwise to close it.To get the remaining water out of the hose, put it in the tub.
Step 22: Open the cold inlet pipe valve after turning on all hot faucets.
Turn the faucet on in your house.You need to open the cold inlet pipe valve to refill the water heater.
Step 23: The faucets should be turned off.
Turn off the hot water when it comes out of the faucet.Before shutting them off, let the faucets run for a few minutes.Your tank has been emptied.
Step 24: There are strainers and faucet aerators.
Plastic particles and other debris will need to be flushed out of each faucet in your house, along with other fixture that attach to appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine.Run clean water through them.It is not likely that you will need to replace the damaged fixture.
Step 25: The power should be turned back on.
Turn on the pilot light for gas heaters if you want to switch power back on to the water heater.