Plumbing and Piping - what is a dip tube???

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hobbs_m
10-02-01, 08:38 AM
i have been reading about water heaters...there was one particular thread where someone did not have enough hot water...i too have encountered the problem, but i haven't looked at anything on the water heater...my hot water lasts about 8 - 10 minutes...i also can take a shower with the cold water completely off...

could you give me some explanations of what exactly is a dip tube...and also, some explanations of what might be going on...it is an electric water heater...

thanks...

michael

Mike Swearingen
10-02-01, 10:06 AM
michael,
Here are the pieces parts of an electric water heater:
http://www.waterheaterparts.net/images/exp_elec.gif
The dip tube (aka cold water tube) carries the cold water supply down into the bottom of the tank. Normal cold water pressure into the bottom of the tank pushes the hot water out of the top.
If the dip tube deteriorates, breaks off, etc. it can allow cold water to mix near the top of the tank and get into the hot water line, causing "less" hot water.
There has been a major problem in the past with dip tubes, including a class-action lawsuit (the deadline to make a dip tube claim ended 12/31/00), so you have to replace it on your own.
(IF that is your problem. It could be a bad tstat or element.)
In any case, I hope that this answered your question.
Good Luck! Mike