How to Replace a Hot Water Heater Fill Tube
If you suddenly find yourself running out of hot water halfway through a shower, you might think it's time to replace your water heater. Before you run to the home improvement center, check your dip tube. The dip, or fill tube, sits in the cold-water port of your water heater and forces the cold, supply water to the bottom on the tank. This forces the already heated water to the top of the tank where the outlet port is located and reduces the amount of available hot water. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Replacing a Hot Water Heater Fill Tube
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1
If the water heater is electric, turn off the power at service panel. If it is natural gas or propane, shut off the supply valve.
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2
Shut off the water supply to the heater. There should be a gate-valve attached to the cold-water pipe on the tank. If not, shut off main water supply to house.
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3
Drain and flush the tank. Open a hot-water faucet somewhere in the house. Attach a hose to tank's drain port, and open the valve on the port.
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4
Check the water as it drains for sand, sediment and pieces of plastic from the old tube. You may need to fill the tank and drain it several times to clear sediment.
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5
Disconnect the cold-water supply pipe. If your water heater was installed without union fittings, you may need to cut the pipe to disconnect it.
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6
Use the wrench to remove fitting in the cold-water port on top of the heater.
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7
Remove the old dip tube by lifting it straight up. It should be sitting just below the threaded fitting on the inlet port.
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8
Insert a new tube by lowering it straight down into the hole.
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9
Clean off the old supply fitting with a wire brush. Apply two to three wraps of plumber's tape to cover threads, and then replace and tighten the fitting.
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10
Place both ends of the union in position, and tighten the joining ring.
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11
Close the drain valve and faucet.
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12
Open the valve for the cold-water supply, and check for leaks. If you see any signs of leakage, shut off the water supply and check fittings.
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13
Turn on the power or gas supply.
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Tips & Warnings
Before you attempt to replace the dip tube, check your plumbing. If your installation was done with unions, you should be able to simply restore all existing parts to their original positions. If the plumbing was done without union fittings, you may need to cut the cold water line and replace the parts you remove.
Never work on a water heater without first turning off the power or gas.
If working with copper plumbing, do not sweat fittings on heater. Sweat joints and allow them to cool before attaching to heater.
