Unexpected costs are a nightmare for homeowners. The best way to reduce high price tags from water heater maintenance is by equipping their heater with reliable components. One of the more common parts related to repairs on heaters is the hot water heater dip tube.
A properly working tube will help you save money on repairs and maintenance. It will also help your heater provide hot water efficiently, which will keep your monthly bill as low as possible.
Let’s take a look at two hot water heater dip tubes available on the market today.
Two of the Best Water Heater Dip Tubes
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Top Top | Camco 11163 3/4" x 50.5" Long Threaded Dip Tube with 5" Nipple | PrimeEligible | Buy Now on Amazon | |
 Top Top | Rheem AP12933 Water Heater 1/2" Diameter x 53" Long Dip Tube, w/3/4" NPT Nipple | Prime | Buy Now on Amazon |
What Is a Hot Water Heater Dip Tube?
The best way to make the most out of your water heater is to understand how it works.
Your water heater tank is fed with incoming cold water released at the bottom of the tank to the burners.
A 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 where it is delivered through the pipes in your kitchen, bathroom, or any area of your home that requires hot water.
You wouldn’t want cold water releasing at the top of your water tank because that would cause the water to come out of the taps colder than it should. The dip tube is a component that delivers cold water to the heating elements and burners to effectively heat water in your water heater tank.
Camco Long 11163 3/4″ x 50.5″ Threaded Water Heater Dip Tube
- Threaded water inlet dip tube
- Anti-siphon hole breaks damaging siphon action
- It can be cut to desired length
- Measures 50.5 inches long
- Made of PEX
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Camco is a trusted manufacturing company – and for good reason. They create all sorts of high-quality products, from camping essentials to plumbing parts.
This model from Camco replaces your broken or failed water heater dip tube. It is extra-long at 50 ½ inches, which allows you to cut it to fit any water heater.
It also features an anti-siphon hole that prevents the storage water from going back up the tube and out of the water tank. The Camco has a 5” nipple and is made of durable PEX.
Read what these verified buyers on Amazon had to say, and check out this Youtube tutorial for step by step instructions on how to remove an water heater dip tube as well as the replacement of one.
Specifications
- Material: PEX
- Features: Anti-siphon hole
- Pipe Length: 50 ½ inches
- Measurements of Nipple thread: 5″ x ¾
- Model: 11163
- Weight: 8 ounces
Pros:
- Made of durable PEX material
- Ability to be trimmed to the desired length
- Low Price
Cons:
- May have to cut it to the size you need
- Previous customers thought it was too long
Rheem AP12933 1/2″ x 53″ Long Hot Water Heater Dip Tube
- 1/2 Diameter x 53 Long Dip Tube, w/ 3/4 NPT Nipple
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Like the Camco long threaded model, Rheem also has a long history of excellent service and reliable heating products, and the Rheem Long Tube is no exception. The length is slightly shorter than the Camco model, measuring at 53 inches with a 2-inch nipple.
Overall, a shorter length may require you to take off less compared to the Camco tube. The Rheem water heater dip tube is very lightweight, weighing only two pounds and is simple to replace and install.
Check out what these verified buyers on Amazon had to say about it.
Specifications
- Length: 53 inches
- Measurement of nipple: 2 inches x ¾ inches
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Model: AP12933
Pros
- Pipe can be easily cut into various lengths
- Made with polypropylene for long-lasting durability
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Not as long as the Camco model
- Comes in one size, which is limited to specific heat waters
About the Companies
Camco
The Camco company has a foothold with over 50 years of expertise in an ever-changing and challenging market. They started with one product: antifreeze. The company has grown from 1 employee to more than 1500 workers and 140 patents without sacrificing service or quality.
Rheem
In 1925, Rheem Manufacturing Company was founded by two brothers, Richard and Donald Rheem in Emeryville, California.
Rheem is the largest manufacturer of water heater tank products in North America and is touted as the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool, spa heating, and commercial refrigeration products.
Water Heaters Dip Tube FAQs
How do I know if I have to replace mine?
If your tap cold water supply is not getting as hot as it should, you may need to replace yours as this could be the problem.
If it is defective, incoming cold water will mix together with the heated water near the top of the tank which means your water will not be as hot as required.
If you’re having issues with your water temperature, you can either remove and install one yourself or consult with a professional for a replacement.
Are these products ¾” or is the nipple ¾”?
The nipple on both of these products is ¾ inches and the product itself has a 1.05-inch diameter.
How long does a hot water heater dip tube last?
If the temperature of the water in your home feels tepid instead of hot, there is a chance you might need to replace yours. Some plastic tubes disintegrate over the years, and when that happens, they will eventually leak or break off.
Generally, they will last around 15 years, which is also the expected lifespan of a water heater. But depending on use, maintenance and the levels of minerals in the water, the lifespan can vary from case to case.
If your not using your hot water supply often, you might want to flush your tank out on a scheduled basis to remove the sediments and clean it out.
Conclusion
Equipping your gas or electric water heater with high-quality components is one of the best ways to save on repairs, maintenance, and monthly water heating costs. Always try to provide annual heater maintenance as it will help extend the units service life.
If your water heater tank has either of the dip tubes mentioned above, you should feel confident in these quality products, and you certainly won’t need to worry about whether or not your shower will be hot enough.
We hope we’ve helped you find the best hot water heater dip tube for your needs!
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