How to Replace a Water Heater Dip Tube?

If the water in your tap is not as hot as it used to be before, your hot water tank might have the problem of a broken dip tube. A dip tube is a plastic pipe that goes through the cold water inlet to the bottom of the tank. The primary function of a dip tube is to deposit the cold water that enters the tank at the bottom so that it gets heated there. Once the water is heated, it travels to the top of the tank and exits the tank through the hot water outlet. 
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If there is a crack or a break in the dip tube, the cold water entering the tank gets mixed with the hot water on top. This leads to a loss of hot water. To solve this problem, you will have to repair or replace the dip tube. The professional plumbing service in Edmonton does not recommend repairing a dip tube as it will crack again soon. Replacing the dip tube will let you get the hot water experience again.

Here are the steps you will have to follow in order to replace water heater dip tube:

Step 1
Before you take up any maintenance task on your water heater, you should turn off the power to it. If you have a gas water heater, you will have to locate the on/off button on your heater and turn it off. If your water heater is an electric one, you will have to go to your circuit breaker panel and turn off the water heater’s breaker. 

Step 2
Once you have turned off the power to your water heater, you will have to shut off the cold water supply. Generally, the cold water shut-off valve is located on top of the hot water tank. You will have to close this shut-off valve before continuing with the maintenance work.

Step 3
Now you will have to drain a few gallons of water from your tank using the drain valve. This way you will be able to clear out the water remaining in the hot water pipe that is on the top level of your tank.

Step 4
In order to remove the dip tube, you will have to cut the pipe between the water heater and the shut-off valve. A tubing cutter would be necessary to do this. 

Step 5
Remove the remaining part of the dip tube with the help of a pipe wrench. If the dip tube is in proper condition, your water heater might be having a different problem which the professional plumbers providing plumbing service in Edmonton will have to examine. 

Step 6
Now you will have to take the replacement dip tube and wrap all the threads with the help of a tape. Place the dip tube in place of the previous one.

Step 7
Put the cold water supply back on and also turn the power to the water heater on.

If you follow all the steps mentioned above, you will be able to replace water heater dip tube on your own. However, if you have not done any of the electrical tasks before, you should not try this one. Calling the professionals who service the hot water tanks in Edmonton would be recommended for you.