How to Change a Dip Tube in a Water Heater

Water heaters are wonderful inventions that make showers and daily chores that much more convenient. However, they are not without potential malfunctions. Though you can pick up the phone and call Neighborhood Plumbing to get reliable and affordable plumbing service for your water heater, we would like to offer a troubleshooting guide so that you can work on diagnosing and repairing certain issues yourself. Still, if you prefer to have a certified plumber take care of the water heater, then feel free to call Neighborhood Plumbing to request an urgent dispatch or schedule an appointment today.
The better you understand your water heater, the easier it will be to recognize problems and bring it back to a working condition. This article will go over dip tubes and how you can replace it in the event that it stops working the way that it should.

What Is A Dip Tube?

A dip tube is a long plastic tube that directs cold water from the inlet into the bottom of the water heater tank. The reason why a dip tube is crucial is because filling the tank from the top would mix the cold water with the hot water, cooling the already hot water. By sending the cold water to the bottom near the burners, the dip tube guides cold water to the source of the heat and minimizes the cooling of the overall hot water supply. 

Dip Tube Damage

Over time, plastic can disintegrate or crack. This creates two potential problems. First, leaks in the dip tube can seep out cold water before reaching the bottom of the tank. Cold water that mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank will turn your overall hot water supply tepid. Secondly, disintegrated pipes will release small pieces of the tube in the water. You might catch these broken off pieces caught in the faucets. So, it is important to inspect your dip tube periodically to make sure you don’t get clogs in the plumbing system and the water heater.

Replacing the Dip Tube

Changing a dip tube is a fairly easy process, but it is important that you do it carefully.

• Turn off the power source to your water heater by switching off the respective circuit breaker. 
• Turn off the cold-water inlet valve.
• Flush out the water heater tank and clean out any plastic flecks from a broken dip tube.
• Disconnect the cold-water supply line at the top of the water heater.
• Remove the piece of pipe to expose your dip tube.
• Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the dip tube.
• Attach the new dip tube.
• Reconnect the cold water supply line.
• Refill the water heater tank.
• Restore power to your water heater.
• Turn on the hot water in the house and check that the dip tube is functioning.

If you prefer to have a certified plumber take care of the dip tube replacement, then call Neighborhood Plumbing to schedule an appointment or request an urgent dispatch.