Dipped Heaters
Dipped Heater is used to direct incoming cold replacement water to the bottom of the tank for heating. While it warms, the dense, cold water stays naturally segregated from the warmer, lighter water floating on top. The water for faucets and appliances comes from the hot layer on top. If the dip tube is missing, the cold incoming water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank and you wind up feeding the house with tepid instead of hot water. A dip tube, a plastic pipe, is present inside the water heater that delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank, forcing hot water out of the top connection. The plastic can deteriorate over time, forcing plastic chips and smaller particles into the home plumbing system. While these chips do not pose a health risk, they can decrease water flow from household faucets and diminish water heater efficiency.
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