Water Heaters
What Is Dip Tube?
Definition
The dip tube is the internal pipe that carries incoming cold water down to the bottom of a tank water heater, so it can be heated from the bottom up rather than mixing with already-hot water at the top. A cracked or degraded dip tube lets cold water mix in near the top, where the outlet draws hot water from.
Why it matters for your home
A failed dip tube is a common, inexpensive-to-fix reason for noticeably shorter hot showers or lukewarm water, even though the water heater itself is otherwise working fine.
What to do about it
If hot water runs out much faster than it used to on an otherwise-working tank heater, mention that specifically — it points toward a dip tube or sediment issue rather than a full replacement.
Related terms
This definition is pending licensed-trade technical review. It's sourced from our own published service and guide content, not invented — but hasn't yet been signed off by a licensed HVAC reviewer.
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