possible defective \"dip tube\"

Live/Learn

I have a Bock 32e domestic hot water heater. I have a feeling that the "dip tube" has discentergrated as I remember having problem with hot water faucets getting small pieces of plastic jammed in the seats. I also don't seem to have as much hot water as I used to. The boiler was installed in '98 so it's not too old. I was wondering if it would be ok to refeed the cold water into the bottom via the drain cock with a "tee" installed. This way the cold would be on the bottom and will be heated instead of mixing with the hot at the top due to the missing dip tube. What do you think?

Bruce_6

seems

like a lot more work to repipe, than to replace the dip tube!

if your dip tube has discentegrated inside the WH, you will still get little pieces of plastic out of your faucets, because the old dip tube can't be removed, and will continue to dislove inside the tank.

flushing helps but doesn't eliminate the problem.

you can re-pipe the supply into the bottom of the tank, but is a lot more work than to replace the dip tube.

BTW, while your replacing the dip tube, check the anode rod, if it looks like it is crumbling, and disolving, replace it at the same time, save yourself headaches later.

Larry (from OSHA)

Isn't there

a warranty on it still?

Larry Weingarten

keeping it as is

Hello: One reason to replace the dip tube instead of repiping is safety. Should you plumb it like you describe there is a small chance that under the right set of circumstances the tank could be drained of water. If it fired then, you would be in real risk of the tank exploding. The dip tube has a small hole at the top which serves as a vacuum breaker, preventing the tank being drained unintentionally. Dip tubes are cheap, and made now not to dissolve in hot water!

And I agree with Bruce... check the anode and replace it with a magnesium rod if six inches or more of the core wire is exposed.

Live/Learn

replacing \"dip tube\"

How hard is it to replace the "dip tube"? Does it just pull out once the feed pipe and bushing are removed? Does it just slip in from the top and removed easily? Thanks again

Irene

dip tube

I have been through this very thing. There was a dip tube recall, yours is probably one of those. The date seems right. There was a class action settlement and the time limit is up and basically you are out of luck. A new dip tube is only about $12, actually replacing it, I don't know the cost. My gas company said about $120. I went ahead and purchased a new hot water heater. YOu can get more information from the enternet by typing in "dip tube recall".
Irene

Live/Learn

going to replace the drip tube

I got ahold of the Bock people who directed me to a rep in my area and they are sending me out a new tube. I guess I'll figure out how it goes in when I see the new part.Thanks all

[Deleted User]

dip tube

when you replace the dip tube, DO NOT solder the tubing to the adapter when it is attached to the heater. Doing this on some heaters may caues the tube to melt and fail.Better yet, install die-electric unions on the hot and cold connections to prevent galvanic action and corrosion.

jim lockard

Live / Learn

Larry Weingarten and his wife Susan wrote a book on water heaters. You can find it at the left side under books and more. Great stuff you will both enjoy and learn from it.