Water Heaters - How long should dip tube be?
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robs10
06-06-09, 09:14 AM
I have an older Rheem 21v40-7n and exhinits the signs of the dreaded dip tube problem, so I had Rheem send me a new one. They no longer had the one to fit my unit but sent one out for a larger heater, and that I should cut it off at 28 1/2". That puts it at about 1/2 the height of the tank. Does this sound right? Is half way down where dip tubes usually end?
Thanks!
BTW, it's a 40 gallon gas heater.
Thanks!
BTW, it's a 40 gallon gas heater.
SeattlePioneer
06-08-09, 11:16 AM
I'd cut it so that it's 3-4" from the bottom of the tank.
You want the dip tube depositing cold water at the bottom of the tank so that hotter water is above the cold water.
Also, cold water at the bottom of the tank is exposed to the heat of the burner flame.
You want the dip tube depositing cold water at the bottom of the tank so that hotter water is above the cold water.
Also, cold water at the bottom of the tank is exposed to the heat of the burner flame.
robs10
06-09-09, 10:02 AM
I'd cut it so that it's 3-4" from the bottom of the tank.
You want the dip tube depositing cold water at the bottom of the tank so that hotter water is above the cold water.
Also, cold water at the bottom of the tank is exposed to the heat of the burner flame.
Makes sense. I also didn't take into account that the actual tank height is not the same as overall heater.
You want the dip tube depositing cold water at the bottom of the tank so that hotter water is above the cold water.
Also, cold water at the bottom of the tank is exposed to the heat of the burner flame.
Makes sense. I also didn't take into account that the actual tank height is not the same as overall heater.
DUNBAR PLUMBER
06-13-09, 06:23 PM
RHEEM/RUUD have the shortest dip tubes in the water heater biz.
I don't understand why they feel the introduction of incoming cold water halfway inside the tank.
I understand that their dip tube is fluted, but the top 1/3rd of that tank is supposed to contain the ready to use hot water.
I believe Sears/Kenmore has the best dip tube on the market which cannot be copied by others. It goes to the bottom of the tank and makes an almost 360 degree turn in the bottom of the tank. It's called a RotoSwirl Dip tube.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v70/DUNBAR/DIP_TUBES.jpg
I don't understand why they feel the introduction of incoming cold water halfway inside the tank.
I understand that their dip tube is fluted, but the top 1/3rd of that tank is supposed to contain the ready to use hot water.
I believe Sears/Kenmore has the best dip tube on the market which cannot be copied by others. It goes to the bottom of the tank and makes an almost 360 degree turn in the bottom of the tank. It's called a RotoSwirl Dip tube.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v70/DUNBAR/DIP_TUBES.jpg
robs10
06-14-09, 08:41 AM
[QUOTE=DUNBAR PLUMBER;1580631]RHEEM/RUUD have the shortest dip tubes in the water heater biz.
I don't understand why they feel the introduction of incoming cold water halfway inside the tank.
I understand that their dip tube is fluted, but the top 1/3rd of that tank is supposed to contain the ready to use hot water.
I believe Sears/Kenmore has the best dip tube on the market which cannot be copied by others. It goes to the bottom of the tank and makes an almost 360 degree turn in the bottom of the tank. It's called a RotoSwirl Dip tube.[/qoute]
Since the tank is not the full height of the outer "cabinet", the bottom portion of the actual tank is at the halfway point of the whole heater, i.e the 28 1/2" should put the outlet close to the tank bottom afterall.
I don't understand why they feel the introduction of incoming cold water halfway inside the tank.
I understand that their dip tube is fluted, but the top 1/3rd of that tank is supposed to contain the ready to use hot water.
I believe Sears/Kenmore has the best dip tube on the market which cannot be copied by others. It goes to the bottom of the tank and makes an almost 360 degree turn in the bottom of the tank. It's called a RotoSwirl Dip tube.[/qoute]
Since the tank is not the full height of the outer "cabinet", the bottom portion of the actual tank is at the halfway point of the whole heater, i.e the 28 1/2" should put the outlet close to the tank bottom afterall.