Water Heater issues.

[KK]

I believe my dip tube has fallen apart. I'm getting white thingys collecting on my faucets and shower head, plus my hot water is only last less than a shower. I went ahead and ordered a new dip tube from the manufacture for 10 bucks shipped. Has anyone every replaced their dip tube? Any pointers on making this go easy?

I ain't going to replace the whole thing. Yes, it's 12 years old but the tank isn't off well water and isn't going to blow up any time soon.

 

[Jugernot]

Anode rod=dip tube?

Yes, they need to be periodically replaced.

 

[zig3695]

i have the same problem but im saving up for a new tank. as far as i know its just lime buildup... they all get it but after a decade or so they get so bad they dont even have half their capacity anymore. its also why removing old tanks is always so much heavier then installing a new one.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: Jugernot
Anode rod=dip tube?

Yes, they need to be periodically replaced.

Dip tube is the plastic tube that feeds the cool water down to the bottom of the tank. if it breaks then your cool water mixes with you hot water. I probably should have ordered an anode rod too just too replace that too. Any idea on what those run?

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: zig3695
i have the same problem but im saving up for a new tank. as far as i know its just lime buildup... they all get it but after a decade or so they get so bad they dont even have half their capacity anymore. its also why removing old tanks is always so much heavier then installing a new one.

I initially thought that is was calcium deposits but after reading around this dip tube, it fits the symptoms with small amount of hot water and the rapid amount of particle buildup on the faucets and shower head.

 

[NoShangriLa]

It is not worth it replacing the anode & dip tube on a 12 year old tank. Most hot water tank last between 7-14 years. 10 years is the upper limit of the tank if the anode hasn't been replaced yearly.

Check your elements & thermostat to make sure that they are functioning properly, and bleed a few gallons of water out the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank to clear debris out of the tank (could have build up on the elements that act like insulations).

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

It is not worth it replacing the anode & dip tube on a 12 year old tank. Most hot water tank last between 7-14 years. 10 years is the upper limit of the tank if the anode hasn't been replaced yearly.

Check your elements & thermostat to make sure that they are functioning properly, and bleed a few gallons of water out the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank to clear debris out of the tank (could have build up on the elements that act like insulations).

who replaces their anode yearly? Even in the harshest hard water I wouldn't think it would need replaced that often.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

It is not worth it replacing the anode & dip tube on a 12 year old tank. Most hot water tank last between 7-14 years. 10 years is the upper limit of the tank if the anode hasn't been replaced yearly.

Check your elements & thermostat to make sure that they are functioning properly, and bleed a few gallons of water out the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank to clear debris out of the tank (could have build up on the elements that act like insulations).

who replaces their anode yearly? Even in the harshest hard water I wouldn't think it would need replaced that often.

Check the manufacture warranty for anode maintenance. Most states that the anode/s recommended replacement at the intervals of 6-12 months. Most people do not replace the anode regularly, therefore they void their warranty. Thus, it doesn't make sense to play big buck for a tank that have 2-3 anodes that come with 9 years warranty, because a cheap 4-5 years warranty tank with 1 anode will last just as long as the more expensive 2-3 anodes model.

<--- mechanical plumber


[add] Whitish built up in the water could be an indication of failed/bust element/s because the element/s packing tend to be white ceramic.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

It is not worth it replacing the anode & dip tube on a 12 year old tank. Most hot water tank last between 7-14 years. 10 years is the upper limit of the tank if the anode hasn't been replaced yearly.

Check your elements & thermostat to make sure that they are functioning properly, and bleed a few gallons of water out the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank to clear debris out of the tank (could have build up on the elements that act like insulations).

who replaces their anode yearly? Even in the harshest hard water I wouldn't think it would need replaced that often.

Check the manufacture warranty for anode maintenance. Most states that the anode/s recommended replacement at the intervals of 6-12 months. Most people do not replace the anode regularly, therefore they void their warranty. Thus, it doesn't make sense to play big buck for a tank that have 2-3 anodes that come with 9 years warranty, because a cheap 4-5 years warranty tank with 1 anode will last just as long as the more expensive 2-3 anodes model.

<--- mechanical plumber


[add] Whitish built up in the water could be an indication of failed/bust element/s because the element/s packing tend to be white ceramic.

Concerning the element, I got a gas heater. Would I have this element?

To tell you the truth I haven't replaced the anode once since I have lived here, around 9 years or so.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Gas HWT don't have elements.

The problem would very well be a broken drip tube as you have mentioned above, however be mindful of such an old tank.

White thingys could be scales from hard water.