Removing Dip tube- Cant removes as threads seem stuck...

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homeby5

homeby5

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Its a 58" dip tube with a 4inch coupling that screws in. Trying to unscrew and change but threads are stuck. Afraid I may break off. Any suggestions?
Thanks
 
I meant a picture of the nipple. I assume you are changing out the dip tube because it is broken. Those nipples are often hard to remove. What size pipe wrench are you using? The tank should be full of water, and you need either a larger pipe wrench, or a cheater (a piece of pipe) on your pipe wrench.
 
MicEd69 said:
I meant a picture of the nipple. I assume you are changing out the dip tube because it is broken. Those nipples are often hard to remove. What size pipe wrench are you using? The tank should be full of water, and you need either a larger pipe wrench, or a cheater (a piece of pipe) on your pipe wrench.
Click to expand...
I'm changing it because my HW runs out real fast. Cant fill a standard tub anymore. I assume the DT is cracked as its about 9 years old. Heating elements seem test good and HW is hot for a little bit.
You should be able to see nipple on the new DT. Its a 4" coupling. You can see the top of the existing nipple where the water line screws onto it.
I hadn't cranked a pipe wrench yet. Just tried it with channel locks. I wanted to ask you guys first because if I brake it off, I will need a new WH.
Thanks
 
homeby5 said:
I'm changing it because my HW runs out real fast. Cant fill a standard tub anymore. I assume the DT is cracked as its about 9 years old. Heating elements seem test good and HW is hot for a little bit.
You should be able to see nipple on the new DT. Its a 4" coupling. You can see the top of the existing nipple where the water line screws onto it.
I hadn't cranked a pipe wrench yet. Just tried it with channel locks. I wanted to ask you guys first because if I brake it off, I will need a new WH.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Sounds more like the bottom element is not turning on.
 
You should turn the heater on and see if you have voltage on the bottom element, it should turn on first, and then the top. If the bottom isn't working and only the top, your only going to get a few gallons of hot water. It could be your bottom thermostat is bad.
 
Just a suggestion ............ drain the tank ..... remove the bottom element and inspect what is actually the situation. You can inspect the dip tube .. the anode and wet vac any sediment all from the bottom element hole. I would replace the elements while the tank is empty ....... We do it every six months.
 
You will not be able to remove that nipple with a pair of channel locks. You must use a pipe wrench.

But as others have said, that might not be your problem. But since you have the new nipple/dip tube assembly, you might as well see if that is your problem before you drain the tank. If you remove the old dip tube nipple and find the dip tube missing, problem solved. But you don't need to look for any cracks as your issue would only be if the dip tube had broken off completely.

I live where the water quality is pretty good, and I don't drain my tank or change the anode. My gas water heaters last 15-20 years and as new technology and improvements continue to occur, I would rather have a new one every 15-20 years than nurse along an older unit. But if you have poorer water, mineral buildup on the elements can make them very poor heaters of water, even if they test out good for resistance. And if you do have poor water quality, draining the tank to remove mineral buildup, and servicing the elements may be required. And other electrical components do fail, like the thermostat.

Good luck.
 
sarg said:
Just a suggestion ............ drain the tank ..... remove the bottom element and inspect what is actually the situation. You can inspect the dip tube .. the anode and wet vac any sediment all from the bottom element hole. I would replace the elements while the tank is empty ....... We do it every six months.
Click to expand...
I did all that instead of looking in tank for dip tube. I didn't know what one was until after.
But all sediment is gone now.
Thanks
 
Ludington said:
You should turn the heater on and see if you have voltage on the bottom element, it should turn on first, and then the top. If the bottom isn't working and only the top, your only going to get a few gallons of hot water. It could be your bottom thermostat is bad.
Click to expand...
Will double check. Thanks again
 
MicEd69 said:
You will not be able to remove that nipple with a pair of channel locks. You must use a pipe wrench.

But as others have said, that might not be your problem. But since you have the new nipple/dip tube assembly, you might as well see if that is your problem before you drain the tank. If you remove the old dip tube nipple and find the dip tube missing, problem solved. But you don't need to look for any cracks as your issue would only be if the dip tube had broken off completely.

I live where the water quality is pretty good, and I don't drain my tank or change the anode. My gas water heaters last 15-20 years and as new technology and improvements continue to occur, I would rather have a new one every 15-20 years than nurse along an older unit. But if you have poorer water, mineral buildup on the elements can make them very poor heaters of water, even if they test out good for resistance. And if you do have poor water quality, draining the tank to remove mineral buildup, and servicing the elements may be required. And other electrical components do fail, like the thermostat.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Will crank on it with pipe wrench and see.
 
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