How To Replace A Water Heater Dip Tube

If you want to help support Shannon to produce more videos like this, visit www.house-impr...
Go to www.house-impr... for help. Shannon shows you how to replace your water heater dip tube. Common symptoms of needing replacement are that you don't get a lot of hot water out of your tank, you seem to run out of hot water when taking a shower, etc.
If you have questions about your home improvement or maintenance projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
Website: www.house-impr...
Facebook: / 180657245288627
Twitter: / house_improve
Video © 2015 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@nodd85]

You should have your own TV show! I learn more from you than any home improvement show on TV these days. Most DIY shows on cable TV just rush through a renovation and never show you how to actually do anything.

[@HouseImprovements]

LOL They have to worry about fitting in enough commercials to pay the bills.

[@roxydog2004]

HouseImprovements Plus your paying to watch all those commercials ,at least with youtube,you get to choose what to watch and skip most ads !

[@guidojones100]

The flexible braided hose idea is a great time saver. Thank you.

[@blainemcdonald6972]

I,used a shark bite flex hose

[@Nellyandhernerd2013]

This video is coming at the perfect time! We're replacing the dip tube in our heater this weekend! Thanks!

[@0tt0z]

Thanks for this video. I didn't realize individual parts could be replaced. Keep up the good work! I love learning something new.

[@lmychajluk]

Would love to see a version of this video where you change the dip tube in a water heater that's in place in an apt/condo, in a utility closet, behind the forced air system, with about a foot of clearance above the unit. Or a tall tank with a low ceiling in a basement.

[@HouseImprovements]

really can not be done with that low of head room.

[@r.spivey3599]

Could you not replace it with a more-flexible tube?

[@lmychajluk]

R. Spivey is that an option? I just assumed (maybe incorrectly) they were all basically rigid PVC-like tubes. Can I get flexible anode rods, too?

[@r.spivey3599]

You can get flexible anode rods. They are segmented so they can be installed in tight quarters. I don't know about the dip tube. Just seems that there should be an option for a flexible dip tube in cases where head room is tight. Must the dip tube be PVC? Is using a braided tube or other flexible tubing an option, or would it cause problems inside the tank? I don't know.

[@penmouse72]

You have to pull the heater to work on it. No other option. More trouble however, that's the breaks when you don't have the space.

[@rainbowwarpig3536]

Thanks for schooling me just finished a chapter on boilers and this really helps.

[@jtkizer]

Video well done, provides details that others leave out.

[@tonyl8242]

Really appreciate your demonstration and sharing of your experiences! Thank you!

[@Supernumerary]

You were born to be an instructor. As you speak, step by step, you seem to anticipate the uncertainty and questions within your student’s mind and then you provide the explanation they need.

[@Generictubeuser]

Thank you for the info, it perfectly matches the issue I am having. But before I change it, what happens to the old pipe that broke off? will the corroding piece sitting in the tank affect my water?

[@ryanalaska8570]

very nice video! thank you for all the visuals and THANK YOU for wearing a mic. I will get this fixed right away!

[@dbc7772011]

At 4am last night wife discovered water dripping from ceiling. I went into attic and discovered water coming from fitting of dip tube on hot water tank. Got hose and drained tank. Going to tackle problem today. Thank you for information how to work on these!

[@HouseImprovements]

Oh wow!

[@bdog0720]

Good video. While on the subject of corrosion on the water tank, One thing you forgot to do, and is a required building code in all states is to use dielectric fittings. One on the cold water inlet and one on hot water outlet. The fittings in the tank are steel. When you connect the copper pipes to those steel fittings rust much like the rod you just replaced tends to build up at this point. These fittings have a nylon pressure barrier that doesn’t let the steel and copper touch. Water and metals of all types don’t get along rust always wins. We can only delay the rust but never eliminate it. That’s why the rod was invented and these dielectric fittings. To better understand this look up dielectric fittings and why they are used. Remember, these are mandatory building code requirements for all states. If not required outside of the US I would advise you use it anyway.

[@nikkoBcool]

Correct that dissimilar metal contacting each other corrode very fast. If this is just a band aid fix to carry the water heater in for a couple more years at your own home, whatever

[@john84753]

Very helpful with good detail for dummies like me. subscribed.

[@tizben]

Had no idea it was such a reasonable fix. Thank you!

[@kristin8809]

I didn't know the inside of water heaters were so dirty!

[@crumdoggy]

Great video. Seems like a DIY with the exception of the reconnect of the water. Most people can’t solder or have a propress rig. Not sure I would want to do a shark bite here.

[@GHOST-hp2ji]

Thanks a lot for the help and excellent education Sr...

[@everardocamacho5063]

thank u shannon on the valve I meant the gas valve in front of the thank, yours videos are very helpful to me , saludos from Ontario ca

[@HouseImprovements]

+Everardo Camacho Your welcome

[@xjoeschx]

Thank you so much for this video, I really appreciate it

[@valentineroma8239]

Great advise, excellent presentation! Dying to see the rest of your videos...Thank You Very Much!

[@kaaaah2003]

Very nicely explained. Thanks for your hard work.

[@demateus100]

thank you that good information I was going to get a new one because I was that problem but now is working good.

[@HouseImprovements]

glad it did the trick to fix your issue

[@alive-awake]

Very good ! I've been watching a lot of videos about replacing anode rod but didn't even realize there was a dip tube. My plumber wanted $225 to replace the anode rod. I'm looking for another plumber.

[@fukashima6586]

that's cheap

[@Maxid1]

I just replaced my dip tube and the anode rod and the heating element. I did it the expensive way, I replaced my 15+ year old (never been maintained) water heater. I heard from a plumber not to test the pressure valve because he thinks it will get fouled and then start leaking. He did say draining and flushing the water heater every 6 months was a good idea.

[@HouseImprovements]

That could be true on a older heater that has never been maintained before.

[@Maxid1]

HouseImprovements I was thinking that if you flush it first but even then, a water heater as old as mine was is going to have significant debris around the pressure valve opening even if it's flushed first. I didn't get a chance to open it up and take a look, but I'm sure it was pretty messed up after close to 20 years unmaintained. So what if on an old water heater you pull the valve and fiber brush the valve fitting, then flush it and reinstall the pressure valve. I'm just trying to work out an sequence to use on an old water heater. It just seems so easy to cause yourself more trouble by trying to maintain something that might look like your old one on the inside. Not to mention running all that rust through your pipes and faucet fittings when you refill the tank if you don't get it flushed out all the way.

[@MRrwmac]

Like the video. But how do you get the new proper length dip tube in if there is not enough ceiling space above the water heater? Please don’ttell me I have to disconnect, drain and tilt the heater? Thank you again.

[@daacrusher2001]

good video, but what do you do if the ceiling is too low to pull the dip tube out, or put the new one in?

[@jeandeaux2129]

Empty the W/H----then tilt it to allow sufficient vertical distance.

[@SgtSplatter1980]

Thank you for your your video help needed to know how long to have it

[@HouseImprovements]

glad it helped

[@pedrorojas6934]

Thank you very much this video is wonderful, now I can do it by myself thank you.

[@noconsentgiven]

My basement ceiling doesn't have enough room to pull the tube straight out. How do I get the new one in without breaking that too?

[@HouseImprovements]

They have replacements that are in sections linked together.

[@noconsentgiven]

@@HouseImprovements Ok thank you and love your channel❤️💪🏻!!

[@ehkeshani]

thank you so much for this clear and excellent explanation. I've been trying to see what's wrong with my water heater and you have explained it perfectly. my question to you is that, is it ok to leave the broken tube in there? thank you so much.

[@HouseImprovements]

Very often they do fall in and there is really no way to get them out. Check out this video it may be of interest to you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXmnpIGqfL14e7s

[@venom1512]

Thank you so much. Is there a flexible dip tube available as we know there is a flexible annode rod available on the market? I'm asking for cases where we don't have enough clearance above the heater. Pls advise.

[@andre58089]

thanks again there was a lot i did not know about till i saw your videos.

[@Huancaino1000]

Thanks for the video and tips.

[@roelvela2564]

Thank you. This was very helpful and appreciated.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickgrimes8964]

Some water heaters are in their own closets with little overhead room. In this event how do you insert the new dip tube. Great video by the way.

[@HouseImprovements]

you could only install one that is as long as the overhead space you have unfortunately

[@3starrett]

Can you tilt the water heater enough so that you have room to install the new dip tube?

[@jpopjr4066]

Great explanation, as always.

[@bjacob9999]

Great demo. Thanks

[@roym3150]

Great!!!! Shanon very informative, more power to you!

[@HouseImprovements]

Hope it helped!

[@Supernumerary]

After learning the hard way, my water heater sits in a leak retention tray. There’s a drain hose going to nearby floor drain. There are union joints on inlet and outlet tubes, to allow quickly swapping out the old water heater with a new one. The darn things need to be replaced every ten years to avoid rust thru and ruptures. I do have a salt based water softener, which probably accelerates the rust thru.

[@Whalermansteve84]

I took the anodes out of my heater yesterday without thinking about draining the water. Whoooooo what a damn mess lol. Now I know lol. I'm gonna have to try the dip tube thing. See if that's my issue.

[@For--nop]

What do you do if, like most installations, you do not have 8ft of clearance to remove the dip tube straight out the top of the tank?

[@billycox475]

What about putting the new one back in with very little clearance?

[@karachi4434]

thank you ,sir.

[@healedwarrock3258]

thanks house improvement

[@HouseImprovements]

+healed warrock you're welcome

[@TheBlackRoc]

When I used to work at Home Depot, we couldn't keep these in stock after folks figured out they could just change these.

[@gixxerboyroyluvdrumswaters9023]

Thank you for this content.

[@nepafcfi263]

Shannon, another great video!

[@PoeLemic]

This is an awesome video. I might consider doing this myself or getting my Hispanic Buddy to help. I changed out my hot water faucet on the tub and found some strange long pieces of plastic in it. Kindof looks like teflon tape but it is wider. It clogged up my tub's hot water faucet. So, I wonder if that cold water pipe is breaking down. Also, why don't they have it metal instead?

[@quatesefunderburg5079]

Very informative video, I do have a question... Can a drip runoff tube be used in place of dip tube? I can't find dip tube at any stores near me but they all carry the drip runoff and to me they look the same...

[@homecheck3896]

Informative video. Thank you!

[@martinmarin841]

U made everything do easy sir

[@michaelvittori8525]

Great video, but what do I do about all the sediment lying in the bottom of the water heater from the old dip tube that is clogging up my faucets, shower and washing machine? tia

[@Generictubeuser]

I was wondering the same. Maybe its fine? or worth it for the price diff pending circumstances? but what if I drink hot water from the tap?

[@michaelvittori8525]

@@Generictubeuser Good question. I just went ahead and bought a new water heater since mine was 20 years old anyways.

[@Frohardy]

Thanks man! You saved me some Bucu Bucks

[@donnyyork2149]

Our hot water tank sits under our stairwell, its top only inches below the underside of the level steps, so withdrawing the dip tube, if it's rigid and won't bend, won't be possible. Is there such thing as a flexible dip tube that I may acquire to install once I've gone through the anticipated agony of trying to tilt my emptied tank so as to succeed in pulling out the present (probably faulty) tube? 🥵

[@HouseImprovements]

Not that I have ever seen. Change your anode rod as well while you are at it, since you are going to all that work.

[@carlosbazan144]

Thank you so much for your instruction.

[@KINGsizeWINNER]

I have a question: instead of a dip tube, why don't manufacturers just make the cold line hookup at the bottom and keep the hot exaust at the top?

[@HouseImprovements]

KINGsizeWINNER Very good question?

[@wiredawg2005]

+KINGsizeWINNER , well I would guess "gravity" and simply less holes on the bottom of the tank to worry about. If the cold hook up was at the bottom the gravity would force all the tank's water to backfeed into the cold water feed.

[@mareksumguy1887]

The cold water (mains) is under fairly high pressure... gravity wouldn't backfeed the tank water back into the inlet/supply.

[@warbird101210]

1 reason is to keep service work steady at all times...they wont make cars the same because there will be lack of jobs so....everything now is made to break to have fixed...

[@mareksumguy1887]

Cars are built better than ever!. They last longer than ever before.

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

@Houseimprovements, Two questions. 1).What are the options to remove a Hex head.I'll explain.Got a tank, someone did not put nipples on hot cold inlit.What they did is, copper fitting that screws right into inlit.Slide pipe in middle of fitting, soldered all the pipes etc while on tank.Melted the hell out stuff.I then get tank and lines are cut down to the hex head about where connection screws in.Anothers words I have a nub.I need that off.Tank is like yours, no way to get a pipe wrench over hexhead.Deep socket stripped copper hex.I hate to toss tank just because can't get undone.I want to put nipples on it and make sure whoever soldered while on tank did not melt dip tube which I worry of. 2).You say in a reply the hot side has no dip tube? If correct, how does the water flow up into pipe say when tank is half full or even full? My tank I speak of is a Whirlpool gas 40 gal.Factory date 2004.

[@alanhaime1423]

thank you! very useful!

[@ryanporter1819]

Cool, thanks for the video. One question. Is it not recommended to hook PEX straight to the incoming cold and PEX to outgoing hot on a water heater?

[@peter_castle]

Keep doing like this awesome!

[@myoung48281]

I had the water heater moved outside, the plumber installed a box to shield it from the weather. Problem is that the 4" rod won't be able to be removed because there is only 18" clearance at the top, not that I have yet tried it as it's newly installed. How can I get around that problem, thanks.

[@MRrwmac]

I guess it would be best to replace both the dip tube and anode at the same time? Anything else if water drained and drain is in good condition?

[@AllanSustainabilityFan]

Great info, thanks Shannon!

[@el_jefesherbalhomeremedies8974]

How often does this happen to a 5 month old water heater mind you I turn the heat up a lot about all the way but about 3/4 or more

[@angelvera4273]

Could this fix an issue of not receiving any cold water to any of the sinks and showers?

[@Norm475]

I no longer replace the dip tube, anode rode or even drain and flush my water heater. Since my community switched from well water to Lake Michigan water I get about 20 years out of a water heater with no problems. Now if you don't install the water heater installations yourself maybe you would consider fixing these things since installation cost is about four or five hundred dollars. (this can vary widely) I have rentals and I find it easier to replace these items on my schedule instead of getting a call in the middle of the night or when I am out of town.

[@safeharbor7]

thanks Shannon, thumbs up...

[@martinluna9848]

thaks for this vide it was really helpful

[@otakutrophyhunter5814]

Thank u. U rock bro

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

good idea on the braided hose... but is it to code ?

[@johncolosi2162]

Great video. Can you replace the fitting/tubing for the hot side? Have a leak right where the hot copper tubing comes out of the tank

[@HouseImprovements]

I think on some you can change that fitting, best to ask a local plumbing shop.

[@eltonherrera7524]

This was an amazing video!! Thank you so much.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diameadozen]

Sorry if you already answer this question but if it's not attached to the dip tube how do you take the dip tube out

[@HouseImprovements]

Sometimes the dip tub has fallen off and is lost in the tank, or some times it is there and you can reach it with needle nose pliers.

[@frankoneyjr.4515]

Great video !

[@everardocamacho5063]

great video shannon, what about the hot side . there is no dip tube to be replace? also how you test the water valve,? or how do we know when is bad, thank u , from ontario ca

[@HouseImprovements]

+Everardo Camacho No dip tube on hot side. The water drain valve is fine unless it starts leaking.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Hi guy. I have replaced the mixer valve on my shower and still have an issue with the hot water turning cold. I turn the valve to hot and it goes back to being hot, but then I mix to get the temperature comfy again and it turns cold again. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@TheYzeman]

I love how I have a foot of space above my damn water heater.

[@kevinlacoursiere7075]

... well, pulling out the old (shortened!) piece should be a breeze...

[@edwardmcmillenjr8443]

If the dip tube is broken off..will it effect the hot water output pressure..I have hot water but it flows slowly to all fixtures..I cleaned all the aerators on the faucets and shower head already.i also checked the hot water side nipple hole to check for clogged outlet already.

[@HouseImprovements]

It should not effect pressure.

[@brucewayne7970]

Why not vacuum the crud with a Shop-Vac and that it won't go in the tank at all

[@davehigh6786]

Weren't dip tubes made out of copper years ago and would last the lifetime of the heater? Why not use copper?

[@badactor3440]

Copper mimics the effect of the anode rod. They would tend to develop mineral buildup resulting in a clogged tube.

[@FISHBREATHH]

Excellent info.

[@247Drumz]

I have a leak at the bottom of my water heater. It leaks nowhere else from the tank. I took the cover off by pilot and finger checked the inside the bottom and it has water. Is this all I need to do to fix the water heater? Or do I need to replace?

[@HouseImprovements]

If you have water inside the burner area ,your tank has a leak. Replacement is your only fix.

[@afgluda]

Can you open a nearest hot tap water to release the pressure and also the pressure relief valve??

[@HouseImprovements]

best to drain some water from bottom of tank also

[@cm581]

Is the dip tube supposed to have anything inside of it? I took the water pipe that connects to the dip tube and noticed it had a plastic like ball with a toothpick like pointing through the hole.

[@davidwinston1627]

Depending on the brand of water heater you have this might be a check valve / heat trap device to prevent the hot water from running back into your cold water supply line. It helps with energy efficiency and to prevent contaminating the cold line going to the rest of the house. Some brands use a ball-type design while others use a flap-style design.

[@sir_charelzwatzbrackin7705]

What if the old tube is broken inside the tank and stuck at the top?

[@idatiger]

Great video, thanks!

[@JamesSpencer125]

THANKS

[@timrrollenhagen7811]

great video!!

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

thanks very helpfull..

[@tropicalstorm339]

What if you don't have enough space to take it off?

[@HouseImprovements]

The dip tubes are a little fixable so depending on how much room you have you may get it in. Otherwise the heater may have to be moved or tilted and for that you will need a plumber unfortunately to unhook the gas line if it is a gas heater.

[@gogaton]

Great video thanks

[@NMranchhand]

Well done. Thanks.

[@seansethi196]

appreciate the video, but unscrewing it only removed a coupler and the dip tube is within the heater, there's no way to remove it since there is nothing to grip onto except inner threads, is there a tool to get the tube out?

[@HouseImprovements]

Not that I know of.

[@seansethi196]

@@HouseImprovements I did figure it out, basically I had to use needle nose pliers and pull out the old one which did not have a nipple, but the new generic dip tube fit along with my Shark Bite valve cold water supply valve. Again thank you for the helpful video!

[@rohitbhatnagar7599]

If the hot water from T&P valve is very hot - does that mean dip tub is broken?

[@HouseImprovements]

no.

[@jpalm32]

Excellent!

[@robeftyearian8760]

Good job

[@walktheline5115]

Great video dude!

[@snakeknife7518]

Only deal now is to find one at any local store to buy. Even a big plumbing supply company in my area only has the flared end ones. And no I do not want to be forced to buy one online. I want to walk into a building and pay cash.

[@lynnlandry7061]

I have a pinhole leak in the sidewall of that thing in center? Fixable??

[@HouseImprovements]

pin hole leak in the plastic part of the dip tube is no issue, just use it.

[@raleh1]

This is for gas and electric waterheater?

[@HouseImprovements]

Should be the same for most heaters