On Feb 14, 9:05*am, bob haller wrote:
Thanks to all for the responses.

The tank was made in 1995 by Richmond.

My research shows that that model is among the ones that had defective
dip tubes.

The hot water situation for the present is just an annoyance.

I will decide later if I want to replace the dip tube.

Andy-

replace the tank its 17 years old, far past its normal life
expectancy.

trying to remove dip tube will just create a leak either immediately
or long term

the good news is your replacement tank will be more energy efficent


I would agree that at 17 years I would just replace the
water heater. For a gas water heater, that is past the
average life. I'd also consider what would happen if
it suddenly fails with a major leak, which is not unusual.
If it's in a place where that would do damage, then
it's a no-brainer to replace it.

As for efficiency, there are a range of options today.
What works for you will depend on your projected
cost of fuel in your area vs. how much more a
more efficient one costs. You also have any install
issues with a different type, eg venting for a direct
vent type, etc.

If you insist on fooling around with the existing one,
first place I'd start is to check what temp the water
is coming out. Could be as simple as the thermostat
needs to be adjusted or the dip tube. As others have
said, if you start unscrewing fittings on it, that may
lead to replacement too.