George wrote:

Our house has a "Craftmaster" gas water heater (c 2000), which acts like
it has a broken dip tube - the hot water is lukewarm, even though the
gas does come on from time to time.

I removed the inlet pipe. I can see (and feel) what seems to be a black
plastic hose extending down from the inlet nipple. It doesn't feel at
all free.

1. Do I need to remove the (galvanized) inlet nipple to get the tube
out?

2. Inside the tube, there was a plastic strip, about 4" long, with two
magnets in it. It was a snug fit, but it pulled out without excessive
force. What is this?

TIA,
George

Yes, you have to remove the nipple, then the dip tube will pull out.

The plastic strip with magnets sounds like it could be part of an
anti-thermosyphon valve in a "heat saver nipple" used to prevent warm
water (which is less dense than cold water) from climbing upward into
the uninsulated pipes and wasting a little energy during long periods
when hot water isn't being used.

HTH,

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.