Water Heaters - not enough hot water
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jgda
12-10-05, 09:45 AM
I cannot get enough hot water to fill a regular size bath. I have drained the tank and get a clear jel like substance that soon clogs the drain valve. Can I replace the drain valve with a ball valve to increase flow or is the gel substance a dip tube that is deteriorating? The tank is about twelve years old. No rust is present. Thanks
majakdragon
12-10-05, 10:09 AM
NORMALLY, a bad diptube appears as small white particles that resemble calcium deposits. You can check the diptube by turning off the power source (gas or electric) and the cold water inlet valve to the heater and open a hot water faucet to relieve the pressure. Remove the cold water inlet piping down to the tank. The dip tube "sits" in the opening to the tank. You should be able to stick your finger into it and lift it out.
You can replace the current drain valve with a ball valve if you wish. You will want to get a brass MIP (male iron pipe) to hosebib adapter so you can hook up a hose for draining. Good luck.
You can replace the current drain valve with a ball valve if you wish. You will want to get a brass MIP (male iron pipe) to hosebib adapter so you can hook up a hose for draining. Good luck.