Water Heaters - Low hot water pressure

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tdw64
12-28-04, 02:23 PM
I wrote about a month ago about my hot water being low on pressure. I have flushed thehot water heater. I have taken each faucet apart and cleaned all the calcium(I assume) from there and then flushed each one. My faucets keep getting stopped up. How do i get rid of all the calcium or whatever it is from my hot water heater. It is a gas heater about 8-9 years old. Thanks


Mike Swearingen
12-28-04, 02:51 PM
If this "calcium" is hard and can't be crushed with your fingers, it is most likely debris from a deteriorating dip tube (which carries the cold water to the bottom of the tank). Replace the dip tube.
Or, it could be debris from mineral buildup inside the heater.
If the "calcium" is actually mineral deposits, it normally will be soft when wet and crush in your fingers.
Mike

tdw64
12-28-04, 04:28 PM
It sounds like it could be a dip tube. Where is that located and is it easy to change? The calcium is not soft to the touch, but it does break up . I am totally confused. Is the dip tube expensive? i might just replace no matter if it isnt expensive


majakdragon
12-28-04, 04:38 PM
Dip tubes are plastic. They are inexpensive and easily replaced. Available at home improvement stores.
Shut off whatever heats your water (gas or electric at breaker) and close the cold water inlet valve at the heater (cold is stamped into the top of the heater next to the pipe). Open a hot water faucet near the heater. Disconnect the union on the cold line and then unscrew the nipple that goes into the heater. The dip tube sits in this hole. Stick your finger in it and lift. Should come right out. Drop the new one in and reverse the process to reconnect piping. Turn it on and you should be good to go. Good luck.

Mike Swearingen
12-28-04, 06:27 PM
Terry (the MJ) nailed it.
Mike