| Common Questions In Response To This Article
I have received more than 100 phone calls since you
published my article "Water Heater Dip Tubes - Why all the
Fuss?" in the December 1998 Opflow. I have received
calls from Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Minnesota, and the
list goes on. The callers are water supply people, homeowners,
plumbing contractors, and two reporters from the general media.
Here are typical questions asked by homeowners and the
answers I give them.
Q. Are the plastic parts
toxic?
A. The eggshell-like plastic particles are not toxic.
Q. Does the deterioration of the plastic dip tube make the water toxic?
A. No, it does not make the water toxic.
Q. What is the average time before a dip tube fails?
A. Failure of the plastic dip tube depends on the water heater operating
temperature (the higher the temperature, the faster the tube fails), the
water chemistry (soft water and aggressive water chemistries will
accelerate the deterioration process). The calls I received indicate
the average time before a dip tube fails is three to five years.
Q. Which water heaters are affected?
A. A.O. Smith, Reliance , Rheem, Jackson, and
White (as reported by homeowners, other heaters may have problems, as
well)
Q. Will the manufacturer replace the dip tube in my heater?
A. That depends upon how old the water heater is and the warranty provided
by the manufacturer. The resident should call the manufacturer to
find out what, if anything, the manufacturer will do.
One homeowner called Rheem, and was told to purchase a new
copper dip tube for $7-$10 and replace it himself. Rheem's
instruction sheet for replacing the tube contained 16 steps, some of which
were either almost impossible (i.e., disconnecting soldered pressure
valves, inserting inflexible 5-ft tube in top of tank, etc.) or required
technical or professional skills and tools (disconnecting electrical and
gas service lines, testing for leaks).
Few homeowners have the tools or experience to replace a dip
tube themselves, and it is extremely difficult to flush out all of the
fine plastic shell-like particles on the tank walls. The tube could
be replaced and still plastic particles could plug showerheads and
dishwashers. The least disruptive approach is to have a plumber
remove the problem heater and install a new one with a copper dip tube
pipe. This may also be the least expensive, in terms of time and aggravation.
Every caller has expressed their gratitude to Opflow
for printing this article. Without this article, they would have had
no idea what the material was that plugged up their appliances. All
of the homeowners were concerned about their family's health. The
article and our phone conversation made them feel safer.
The discussion and awareness of the problem with dip tube
heaters needs to continue.
Danny T. Hutchins
President
DiHydro Services
Sterling Heights, Mich.
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