Back to previous pageWater Heater Dip Tubes
There were a considerable number of new homes built in the Greater Lakeway area between 1991 and 1996, and probably a number of hot water heaters replaced during this period in older homes. A problem has been identified with the CPVC plastic "dip tube" in water heaters made by six manufacturers during this time period, under dozens of trade names.
The dip tube is a plastic pipe inside the water heater tank that delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank, forcing hot water out of the top connection. The plastic can deteriorate over time, or the tube can break off and fall down, allowing cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the tank while the plastic material continues to break up into chips and smaller particles. If the heater doesn't deliver water as hot as it did before, or if it is necessary to clean aerator screens in your faucets frequently, the dip tube may have failed.
The chips and finer pieces caught in aerator screens look like bits of eggshell. If the tank is drained (a good yearly practice in this area, to remove lime deposits) some chips may come out with the lime particles.
A class-action lawsuit settlement provides for most of the costs of removing the old dip tube and installing a new one, or replacing the heater if the old dip tube is broken off inside the tank. Flushing the system and cleaning the strainer screens on washing machines and other appliances may be needed as well. To find out if your water heater is covered by the settlement agreement, get the serial number and the model number from the nameplate, call the toll-free number if listed below for the manufacturer of the unit, or contact http://www.diptubesettlement.com
A.O. Smith: (800) 323-2636
Rheem (including Sears and Montgomery Wards): (800) 621-5622
Bradford-White: (800) 523-2931
State Industries (including Kenmore, Reliance, Master Plumber, and Penfield): (800) 365-0024
American Water Heater: (800) 999-9515
Richmond: (800) 432-8373
Claims for repairs already made must be submitted before June 30, 2000. To request a dip tube replacement, submit claim before December 31, 2000.
Lakeway Municipal Utility District
261-6222