Water Heaters - water heater not heating water
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joyg
10-27-05, 05:52 AM
help please, water running out the overflow pipe and now, hot water runs out after 5 minutes. Do the two have something in common besides casuing me frustration? Pilot is on but no hot water, cold water running out all the time, any help would be great. Really can't afford a new heater. Cold water intake looks like it will need to cut to check for diptube. is this normal?
majakdragon
10-27-05, 10:51 AM
joyg, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
When you say "overflow" pipe, are you referring to the Temperature/pressure relief valve piping? That is a brass ell shaped valve that is either on top of or on the side of the water heater. If so, it needs to be replaced. You can try opening it by the lever handle on top of it to see if it has a piece of debris blocking the seal. (pull the handle up and down 3 or 4 times)
If you are running out of hot water after 5 minutes, it is probably the dip tube. There should be a di-electric union between the threaded pipe going to the heater and the copper piping. If not, then it would have to be cut and a union installed later to check the dip tube. Good luck and reply back with any further questions.
When you say "overflow" pipe, are you referring to the Temperature/pressure relief valve piping? That is a brass ell shaped valve that is either on top of or on the side of the water heater. If so, it needs to be replaced. You can try opening it by the lever handle on top of it to see if it has a piece of debris blocking the seal. (pull the handle up and down 3 or 4 times)
If you are running out of hot water after 5 minutes, it is probably the dip tube. There should be a di-electric union between the threaded pipe going to the heater and the copper piping. If not, then it would have to be cut and a union installed later to check the dip tube. Good luck and reply back with any further questions.
joyg
10-28-05, 06:22 AM
I appreciate the help and am off to Home Depot for the water heater parts. I will let you know what happens. The diptube is connected to the cold water side right? Thanks, Joy
majakdragon
10-28-05, 08:13 AM
Yes, the dip tube is in the cold water inlet. It normally just sits there. You should be able to stick your finger in to remove it. This is after you have removed the pipe that connects to the heater.
Good luck
Good luck
joyg
10-30-05, 07:13 PM
well, it was not the diptube and still no hot water. Any suggestions?
mbk3
10-30-05, 08:35 PM
Check for water leak on the hot side
joyg
10-31-05, 03:30 AM
We repalced the prv where the water had been pouring out hot water then it went to pouring our luke warm water. Husband says it must be the element and needs to replace the heater? His is a guessing.
594tough
10-31-05, 07:41 AM
First, you said it was a gas heater ("pilot") so there is no "element" to replace. There should be no water running from the relief valve, so if there is that is why you have no hot water. The pressure regulator valve for your house could be bad. Get a gauge and check the pressure. Fix that problem first. There may be nothing wrong with the water heater.
joyg
11-05-05, 11:41 AM
Sad to say the water heater bit the dust. Thank you for all your advice and help. Hope I won't be needing this page soon but I know where to turn if I do.