debris in taps

[cml]

We are finding that there is debris in our faucets that impedes the flow of water. Any suggestions?

[Mikey S.]

Unscrew the little screen or aerator on the end of the spout, clean it, and put it back on. Total time for repair ...3 minutes. Cost ....0 Satisfaction..immense

[Doug Kanter]

If the debris is white and looks like bits of the plastic, it's probably your water heater's dip tube deteriorating. I don't know what a dip tube does, but quite a few water heaters were part of a class action suit some years back. If the debris is as described, get your water heater checked.

[Bob]

the

If it looks like little pieces of white plastic, the dip tube in your water heater could be failing.

Bob

[Rick]

Both Bob's and Doug's replies describes what I've been experiencing...

My question - What ramifications do I face with Dip Tube failure

BTW - My water heater is > 10YO...

Rick

[Bob]

in

experiencing...

failure

The water heater will start filling from higher in the tank, so the hot water will be cooled by the new water. The dip tube can be replaced, but I haven't done it. They are available at the hardware store.

Bob

[Rick]

Thanks Bob....

If I may re-word my question, will dip tube failure lead to 'catastrophic' failure? i.e. flooding? Or simply reduced hot water capacity (If so, I'll make sure that I get the first shower of the day - LOL)

Due to the age of the H2O heater, I'll simply replace it with a 'new, improved' unit...

Rick

[default]

Well, that and little bits of plastic downstream of the water heater.

[Lawrence Wasserman]

Yes, remove it.

-- Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland [e-mail]

[Doug Kanter]

I'm not sure about catastrophic failure. Maybe Bob can address that. But, even after my WH's problem was solved, I had my plumber back for other work and he mentioned that other brands also had problems. If I were you, I'd do some web research, maybe consult a plumber, and see if Consumer Reports has anything about it

You can buy something like a month's worth of access to their site for under ten bucks. My plumber was of the opinion that more than one brand was riding the cheap parts train. Buyer beware.

[Rick]

Thanks Doug...

Already subscribed to Consumer Reports, I'll be sure to investigate before buying... Sincerely appreciate the advice.

Rick

[Bob]

that. But,

for other work

you, I'd do

Reports has

something like a

plumber was of

train. Buyer

It wasn't cheap parts, it was defective parts.

Dip tube failure should not result in leakage issues - just not hot enough water, and plugged strainers and/or faucet valves. It's not that big of a job to fix.

Bob

[Doug Kanter]

Cheap...defective...what's the diff? Somebody took a shortcut, right?

[nospambob]

[Harry K]

The dip tube is a tube that leads to the bottom of the tank. Cold water thus fills from the bottom with the hot water on top. When the tube fails, the cold water winds up filling at the top resulting in inefficient heating (read less capacity). Catastrophic failure? No. Expensive - yes for fuel use, no for repair. Supposedly 10 years is about life expectancy or so I have been told. I find that difficult to believe but...

Harry K

[Bob]

not

right?

Right. But it was a supplier to several manufacturers. Buying a "cheap" water heater did not increase your risk. Buying from a "cheap" manufacturer did not increase your risk.

Bob

[Doug Kanter]

OK...that's logical.