Water heater not putting out like before, dip tube ?'s

slick-rides · Feb 27, 2016

Bradford White gas water heater
Model # MI403T6EN12

Water heater provided plenty of hot water for showers the past 10 years. All of a sudden, it now is a struggle to get through a shower with enough. Shower doesn't have a mix valve, separate valves for hot and cold. I've checked the sink mix valves and they are good. I suspect the thermostat gas valve on the water heater isn't working right. I'll probably replace the water heater since it's over 10 years old, but wanted to ask what else I can check or test?

Question # 2... Is it possible for a dip tube to be installed on the hot water outlet of the tank? I ask because while looking at the unit, I see who ever installed it has the cold supply hooked to the side labeled for hot. They did cross out the hot label and wrote cold. Just curious if they installed the dip tube on that side so it would work correctly.

Thanks in advance for your help!

frodo · Feb 28, 2016

if the burner is coming on, but no hot water

probably full of scale and calcium

if you have never flushed it. that would be the most likely

you can try and flush it, .rod it out thru the drain hole. maybe/maybe not

depends on the crap in the bottom

get another water heater, this time, flush it every year on your vacation

slick-rides · Feb 28, 2016

Can the dip tube be switched from side to side? It would save me a lot of sweating pipe connections if it can.

slick-rides · Feb 28, 2016

UPDATE....

There was a dip tube installed where the cold feed was attached (originally marked for hot). The dip tube is broke off. If I can find a dip tube at the big box stores, I will install a new one. This water heater is in an unfinished basement, so if it bursts it won't cause damage. Might buy me another couple years.

frodo · Feb 28, 2016

yes it can be switched from side to side.

only difference in the hot and cold on a water heater is the dip tube

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Bradford-White-Dip-Tubes-17346000

frodo · Feb 28, 2016

yes it can be switched from side to side.

only difference in the hot and cold on a water heater is the dip tube

to remove a dip tube.

take the nipple out of the top of the heater,

stick your finger in the hole. bend your finger, grab the tube with it. pull up

slick-rides · Feb 28, 2016

Thanks. This dip tube is attached or molded to the nipple. Local stores only had the other kind, so I made my own for now. Water heater is working great again. Will order the correct type and install once it gets here.