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

[Twowaxhack]

My whirlpool does not.... not an element or thermostat to be found.
Special size...

Yeah I know but that’s not the normal.

 

[Ludington]

Yeah I know but that’s not the normal.

I'm going to buy a marathon, just waiting to see if the price drops for black friday ? I kinda doubt it... but you never know. I think it's one of those items that never goes on sale.

 

[Twowaxhack]

I'm going to buy a marathon, just waiting to see if the price drops for black friday ? I kinda doubt it... but you never know. I think it's one of those items that never goes on sale.

I’d just get a 6yr Rheem with standard parts

 

[Ludington]

I’d just get a 6yr Rheem with standard parts

Ya, that was a consideration, but as I age, and in case of my demise, I am thinking I need the closest thing to a set it and forget it type thing. No rust, no anode, maybe just a flush once in a while.

 

[Ed O'Connell]

Stuck dip-tube? Another reason to sell maintenance agreements. On our yearly visits we attach a garden hose to the heater and "blow" out all the crap - or most of it anyway - and also remove & replace the dip-tube so it doesn't get stuck from all the heat. // Better yet is to sell an anode rod and check that on a yearly basis. Amazing how much extra $'s are available if we REALLY care about our customers and check their plumbing once a year. // Example?: Just up the hill from where I live - Lake Tahoe - a family of four all died in a rented B 'n B from carbon monoxide poisoning. A plumbing company barely avoided being charged with a felony because they were the last service company in the home. Guilty or not, those deaths could have been prevented by a professional who gave a damn. // How many damaging leaks or other dangerous problems could we help our customers avoid if we REALLY cared about protecting them instead of simply regarding ourselves as wrench-turners out for the $'s, so we git in-'n-out as quickly as possible thinking the more jobs we do the more money we make. // Rant stopped, BUT, folks "The Plumber really does protect the health (and safety) of our nation." Or have we all forgotten about that and relegated ourselves to "Johnnie Buttcracks"?

 

[homeby5]

Since you’re confident the elements and thermostats are good and operating correctly I’d check for a hot water leak. I’d do a draw test on the water heater also. The manufacturer should be able to provide you draw test instructions.

Wouldn't I notice a HW leak bad enough to cause this issue?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Wouldn't I notice a HW leak bad enough to cause this issue?

If your pipes are under concrete for example you might not notice unless had other indicators like hearing water running or your water bill being high. It might would cause gas bill to be elevated also.

Many water heaters have been replaced only to find out the old water heater was fine and a leak was found.

 

[homeby5]

If your pipes are under concrete for example you might not notice unless had other indicators like hearing water running or your water bill being high. It might would cause gas bill to be elevated also.

Many water heaters have been replaced only to find out the old water heater was fine and a leak was found.

Oh...OK. My pipes are al exposed. They are all up in attic. Thanks

 

[Twowaxhack]

Make sure you don’t have a cross connection between hot and cold piping.

 

[homeby5]

Make sure you don’t have a cross connection between hot and cold piping.

Not sure what that means?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Not sure what that means?

It’s where the hot and cold piping can flow into each other. To test for a cross connection turn the cold water valve off to the water heater. Then at a hot faucet relieve the residual pressure and make sure the water stops running. If it doesn’t stop then you have a cross connection.

 

[homeby5]

It’s where the hot and cold piping can flow into each other. To test for a cross connection turn the cold water valve off to the water heater. Then at a hot faucet relieve the residual pressure and make sure the water stops running. If it doesn’t stop then you have a cross connection.

Ok...I can check that but what would suddenly cause this if no plumbing has been done? Thanks.
BTW... I plan on cranking the diptube with pipe wrench on Sat morning or Tuesday. I need to set aside an entire day just in case I ruin my HW heater.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Ok...I can check that but what would suddenly cause this if no plumbing has been done? Thanks.
BTW... I plan on cranking the diptube with pipe wrench on Sat morning or Tuesday. I need to set aside an entire day just in case I ruin my HW heater.

Several things could cause it. It’s easier for you to check for it rather than me explain the possibilities. Checking for cross connection takes about 5 minutes.

Good luck

 

[homeby5]

Wanted to give an update. I forgot to mention when I was checking the current on the lower heating element, I noticed one wire on terminal board was loose. I could move it back and forth with my hand under terminal. I tightened and didn't really think about it.
Well now...the tub seems to be filling with hot water. So I'm going to hold off on doing anything now until a problem starts again. Thanks again for all your help guys and I'll keep you all informed on any actions I take.

 

[MicEd69]

If that was your problem, that connection would have gotten pretty hot. So, there should have been signs of that heat around the screw and wire. I would suggest that you clean that connection and the wire with some fine emery cloth to remove any oxidized material and reconnect the wire.

If your problem returns, another suggestion would be to use a non-contact thermometer to monitor the temperature of the hot water line while the tub is being filled. If it remains at a relatively constant hot temperature, then your problem is not with the water heater.

 

[havasu]

I'm glad you've seem to have solved the issue!

 

[homeby5]

If that was your problem, that connection would have gotten pretty hot. So, there should have been signs of that heat around the screw and wire. I would suggest that you clean that connection and the wire with some fine emery cloth to remove any oxidized material and reconnect the wire.

If your problem returns, another suggestion would be to use a non-contact thermometer to monitor the temperature of the hot water line while the tub is being filled. If it remains at a relatively constant hot temperature, then your problem is not with the water heater.

Great idea. Thanks.
Again...I realize this has been dragging over a silly dip tube that I've already bought. I'm just afraid of breaking something when I remove it so I'm kinda thinking just leave it if the tub is filling hot and monitor.