Water Heater Dip Tube Replacement

Remove the nipple to expose the top of the dip tube.

Water heater dip tube replacement.

32 long dip tube w 2 nipple. There was an issue in the early to mid 9os where one popular manufacturer of these devices produced defective units. We are officially making a course for all you diy folks. You ll need to break out a wrench for this step.

Wrap the threads of the replacement dip tube with plumber s tape or fill the threads with pipe joint compound. As cold water enters the tank the heated water rises to the top and is drawn through the hot water outlet. Dip tube replacement in most cases your dip tube will last as long as your water heater will. New water heaters have dip tubes that ll last as long as the water heater.

Disconnect the cold water supply line at the top of the water heater. If you have an electric water heater turn off the breaker at the electrical panel. Remove the dip tube by inserting a screwdriver and prying the tube out of the opening. The nipple is a short piece of pipe threaded at both ends.

The dip tube carries the water from the top of the heater to the bottom where it ll be heated. Check your water tank s brand and model number to get the right dip tube. Https mailchi mp 865c94b12b65 theplumbinggurus before you start here s how you turn off you wate. Rheem sp12559 water heater 1 diameter x 46 long dip tube flare w closed end.

Buy a replacement dip tube. Turn off the water supply to the heater. Usually ships within 6 to 10 days. 14 1 41 oz 4 39 shipping.

Otherwise you will need to troubleshoot the unit to find the real problem. Replace the tube anyway to prevent potential problems later. Or second replace the defective dip tube with a cross linked polyethylene one and flush the debris out of the water heater and the screens and filters. Install the new dip tube.

Water heater cutaway showing broken dip tube. Dip tubes made from polyethylene are readily available at home supply or hardware stores for 5 20. If you have a gas water heater turn off the gas supply on the gas valve. Most residential water heaters have a standard size dip tube.

If the dip tube is damaged or corroded it needs to be replaced. More buying choices 44 10 1 new offer ao smith 100071519 pex dip tube 317716 054 with nipple 30016 054. What happened was over time the tubes would deteriorate into countless pieces of small white plastic.