Zerobeat50125 t1_itszhie wrote on October 26, 2022 at 2:00 AM

Top-filling tanks have a dip tube, which routes the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank. They can become damaged or detached, allowing cold water to dilute the warmer water in the top half of the tank. They are easily replaced, just remove the incoming water supply nipple. Some tanks combine the anode rod with the dip tube, but if not, this is a great time to replace that, as well.

odonk_ t1_itt2cox wrote on October 26, 2022 at 2:23 AM

Definitely check the dip tube before buying a new water heater. Much cheaper and easier.

iSOBigD t1_ittdhqw wrote on October 26, 2022 at 4:01 AM

Yeah, agreed I can confirm I had that issue. I got a plumber to look at it and it was fixed in 30 min.

pentasyllabic5 t1_itul6or wrote on October 26, 2022 at 12:53 PM

While you are doing all of this

Flush the tank if you have a way to. This should be regular practice if you had it or if it is plumbed in a manner consistent
Per the post above Read about "Anode Rod Replacement". You should plan to do that too. It's easy given what you are about to do and who wants to disassemble in a year or two for it.
Ensure the burner flame is proper. There are videos online that show how the flame should look. Just because it is lit doesn't mean it's working right