My son just bought his first home about 2 years ago. He noticed that his hot water faucet just dribbled (*no preasure) - and within 10 minutes, there was no hot water. He had a plumber come out today and he said that his "Dip Tube" had broken off and he needed to replace the water heater and possible all of the faucets in his house. My son is single and just changed jobs. Works is slow and he is barely making the mortgage payments - it would be incredibly difficult to buy a new water heater.

In reading on the internet, I noticed that there was a problem with the dip tubes in water heaters back in the '90's. They were made of a plastic compound and deteriorated easily.

Any suggestions? Is this something that we can replace ourselves? Should he call the manufacturer and see about having them fix it?

Dip tube should have nothing to do with "no pressure" issue. Yes, you may experience less hot water delivery ( in overall volume ) than with dip tube present.

There is no need to change faucets in your house. This tells me that attending plumber is also slow and needs to create job for himself.

First, go around the house and clean all aerators and shower heads. See if you get better water flow...

Sandy...

Like Milo said here... dip tube does not cause all the issues stated.

I'm wondering how old the water heater is... if over 10 years old then that may be why the plumber suggested replacing the whole heater. Sometimes we go to replace a part in an old heater and then 6 months later the old heater lets go and the repair money is wasted when it could have gone into the installation of a new heater... ;)

Start by cleaning the aerators at each faucet (see picture below)... and then let us know how old that heater is... name on heater would be helpful as well as model and serial number (on the front on a tag).

Otherwise, dip tubes can be relaced pretty easily today... if have basic handy skills!

Let us know more...

MARK

PS... manufacturer will not fix dip tube issues!

Hi Sandy,

Both Milo and Mark stated very well, proceed with their instructions, I am also adding this link to show you the dip tube works and what happens if it breaks, Good Luck.

John

How to Repair a Broken Dip Tube (http://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/repair_broken_dip_tube.htm)


This another link, Thanks.

John

How a water heater dip tube works and what it looks like. (http://www.masterplumber.net/electricwh/dip_tube.htm)

This another link, Thanks.

John

How a water heater dip tube works and what it looks like. (http://www.masterplumber.net/electricwh/dip_tube.htm)

John, Nice visual.. Love it !