How to repair a weak hot water heater, by replacing the dip tube

[timi0000]

Nice video, spelunkerd! But I have a question. Is there some test you can do to verify that it is in fact the dip tube that is responsible for your hot water problems before you change it?

[spelunkerd]

@timi0000 As far as I know, there's no easy way to tell. But when you turn on the hot, the heater should fire up quickly, with no delay like I showed here. The tube should flood that thermostat with cold and it should start. There will, of course, be some natural variance with that test depending on where in the cycle the water temp is at. A new tube is so cheap that by the time you open the system up you may as well change it. Fractured dip tubes are really common.

[finbarbass]

wow - what a great video - well explained, great quality, nice and slow, step by step - exceptional. Also love that there are no flashy animations, etc - just right to the point. And you remind me of lian neeson...

great job-

[spelunkerd]

I finally found, and got around to changing out the anode rod on my water heater. The appended video response goes into how and why it might be worthwhile.

[SuperRedhat123]

That was great. I have that identical hot water heater. Very helpful.

[spelunkerd]

@SuperRedhat123 Thank you. Today I posted a description of how I replaced the anode rod on the same heater, with some details of the chemistry behind why that might prolong the life of your heater. I hope you have time to check it out.

Dave

[TheKeyboardKowboy]

You said you don't have an anode rod because you have a gas heater. Check it out. I believe all heaters have an anode rod.

[spelunkerd]

@TheKeyboardKowboy @TheKeyboardKowboy You are absolutely right, thank you. This week I searched all over my city for a replacement anode rod for my gas heater, and not one retail or wholesale store sell them. Most knew what they were, and mine is definitely there. When I asked why they are no longer sold, most retailers said that the stock sat without moving. These days, water heaters are not built to last as long, and I suspect the anode rod may not be the limiting factor. ?planned obsolesence?

[spelunkerd]

I didn't have one. But the next time I do it again, I probably will. Thanks for your comment!



[TheFred1952]

just curious as to why you did not use a union? it makes it a lot easer when you have to replace the tank