Installing a water heater dip tube is a simple project that will require some modest plumbing skills and a few tools. Before you can install a new dip tube you should have purchased a new one. See the article, 'Purchasing a Water Heater Dip Tube' for more information.

Not sure if this is your problem? See the articles 'Troubleshooting Gas Hot Water Heaters' and 'Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting' for more information and a listing of water heater topics.

Removing the Old Dip Tube

With a new one in hand and the cold water supply unhooked, installing a water heater dip tube is pretty easy. See the article 'Removing a Water Heater Dip Tube' if you have not taken it apart yet.

Installing the New Dip Tube

Put the dip tube into the inlet first. Then you put the gasket back in place.

After that, you put the plumbing pipes back together in reverse order of how you took them apart. The last fitting put together should be the union.

Put some pipe dope or Teflon tape on the threaded fittings and re-install them. Make sure they are tight. Put the union back together and tighten it up. Make sure the drain valve is closed.

Turn the water on and check for leaks. You will have to wait until the water heater has filled up completely before you are sure that there are no leaks. Open one or two hot water faucets and bleed the air out of the lines.

Starting Up the Water Heater

When you are sure there are no leaks you can turn the power back on for an electric water heater. You will need to light the pilot and turn the gas on for a gas hot water heater. See the articles 'Starting Up an Electric Water Heater' and 'Gas Water Heater Start Up' for instructions on the correct procedures for getting your water heater up and running.

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Summary

That's all there is to replacing a water heater dip tube. Were you worried? Did you have trouble sleeping last night? Next time, you will sleep like a baby, knowing you can handle a job like this.