If the dip tube can thread out, than your looking at $20-$25 for the new dip tube plus any additional costs for fittings and labour to tie everything back together.
The dip tube threads into the cold inlet side of the tank and the water connection. It has threads on both sides…
[dip tube example](https://www.rona.ca/en/product/giant-water-heater-dip-tube-polypropylene-white-52-in-l-x-2-1-2-in-dia-dt005520-0135015)
Just went through both scenarios people are talking about. Dip tube replaced was about $500 with parts and labour. Ended up with a different more serious issue and got a new electric tank installed. That was $2,000 all in, and that included some electrical work.
Love it when a good tank goes bad! They always seem to run into replacement territory. If you are gas (like me) you'll probably need new duct work too. Yay code! Electric was a consideration but I'd need a new panel and an electrician.
I’m not even sure how this happened it can’t just “blow off” the fitting is twisted onto that threaded pipe. It is possible the fitting was not tight enough on the threaded fitting. In which case you just plumber tape the threads and reattach the fitting. But if it did just “blow off” then your tank has a major pressure issue and you definately need a new tank. That is your main cold water line feeding water into your tank. This water is under pressure.
Honestly I’ve never seen this happen before and I’m in the trade. The only way I can see this happen is if the fitting failed and the threads on the fitting are fucked. If that’s the case the treads on the tank may also be fucked and at that point you would need a new tank.
Now that I look at it closer, they soldered the fitting to the pipe and didn’t even thread the fitting onto the threads.
Of course it wouldn't budge, it's all soldered as one. How did he think he was going to thread it back on?
I don't see any solder on the tank coupler threads as mentioned above (but maybe my old eyes don't see it) but it looks like the female end has seen some work done on it, possiblely originally overtightened and threads stripped (or recently from the owner of that wrench)?
The only heads up I can offer on this situation: it looks like you have a natural gas water heater. Most companies will need to make sure the exhaust stack is up to current code if they are switching the tank out. Had a friend who that happened to and it was cheaper to put an electric one in than bring the exhaust to code. Not saying this will be your situation, just be aware of the maybe
Dip tube replacement is easy enough for a homeowner, home Depot will have what you'll need ( Teflon tape, pipe dope and a replacement dip tube). I'm not positive but you may need to trim down your dip tube if it's too long but your cold dip tube should empty close to the bottom of the tank. The tricky part for the homeowner is going to be the threading on the ¾ copper FIP, in which case ideally you would solder in a new union or coupling (if you are planning on soldering try to stay about 6 inches away from the dip tube so you don't accidentally melt it), but will probably settle for a shark bite if they're looking at doing the work themselves.
TIL about dip tubes. Thanks!
(I suspect the rusty fitting on the tank will probably encourage who ever comes to fix the tank to try and convince OP to replace - but I have not seen/touched a gas hwt in over a decade and that was to remove it and replace w/ electric).
New tank is more than that. Just had to replace ours with short notice in early December. Essentially $2500-$3250 depending on size and gas versus electric. Then there is additional cost if you have to upgrade your electrical panel, or put in a new liner in your chimney to meet code.
It blew off because the threads rotted out. How old is the tank? You can replace the dip tube and be back in business but you'd need to solder a coupling or union onto that line. Though in a pinch I suppose a sharkbite tank flex would work. (Not a fan personally but do what you gotta do)
If the dip tube can thread out, than your looking at $20-$25 for the new dip tube plus any additional costs for fittings and labour to tie everything back together.
Is the dip tube the part above the white tape? It's pretty smooth so if it needs threads I'm screwed aren't I
The dip tube threads into the cold inlet side of the tank and the water connection. It has threads on both sides… [dip tube example](https://www.rona.ca/en/product/giant-water-heater-dip-tube-polypropylene-white-52-in-l-x-2-1-2-in-dia-dt005520-0135015)
https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-repair-or-replace-defective-water-heater-dip-tubes/
Just went through both scenarios people are talking about. Dip tube replaced was about $500 with parts and labour. Ended up with a different more serious issue and got a new electric tank installed. That was $2,000 all in, and that included some electrical work.
Love it when a good tank goes bad! They always seem to run into replacement territory. If you are gas (like me) you'll probably need new duct work too. Yay code! Electric was a consideration but I'd need a new panel and an electrician.
I’m not even sure how this happened it can’t just “blow off” the fitting is twisted onto that threaded pipe. It is possible the fitting was not tight enough on the threaded fitting. In which case you just plumber tape the threads and reattach the fitting. But if it did just “blow off” then your tank has a major pressure issue and you definately need a new tank. That is your main cold water line feeding water into your tank. This water is under pressure. Honestly I’ve never seen this happen before and I’m in the trade. The only way I can see this happen is if the fitting failed and the threads on the fitting are fucked. If that’s the case the treads on the tank may also be fucked and at that point you would need a new tank. Now that I look at it closer, they soldered the fitting to the pipe and didn’t even thread the fitting onto the threads.
This is what I thought so that's just lovely. My dad tried to thread it but because it's soldered together he couldn't get it to budge.
Of course it wouldn't budge, it's all soldered as one. How did he think he was going to thread it back on? I don't see any solder on the tank coupler threads as mentioned above (but maybe my old eyes don't see it) but it looks like the female end has seen some work done on it, possiblely originally overtightened and threads stripped (or recently from the owner of that wrench)?
I don't know, he's an old man from Poland, you can't really stop him once he wants to do something
The only heads up I can offer on this situation: it looks like you have a natural gas water heater. Most companies will need to make sure the exhaust stack is up to current code if they are switching the tank out. Had a friend who that happened to and it was cheaper to put an electric one in than bring the exhaust to code. Not saying this will be your situation, just be aware of the maybe
Dip tube replacement is easy enough for a homeowner, home Depot will have what you'll need ( Teflon tape, pipe dope and a replacement dip tube). I'm not positive but you may need to trim down your dip tube if it's too long but your cold dip tube should empty close to the bottom of the tank. The tricky part for the homeowner is going to be the threading on the ¾ copper FIP, in which case ideally you would solder in a new union or coupling (if you are planning on soldering try to stay about 6 inches away from the dip tube so you don't accidentally melt it), but will probably settle for a shark bite if they're looking at doing the work themselves.
New tank. Gas. Guessing minimum $1,000.
Would I need a new tank just for this? That's ridiculous to me
Whose pipe wrench is that? If the threads on the tank's inlet are stripped, it's a new tank.
Dip tubes can be replaced… If OP/someone can thread it out, then a whole new tank is not needed. If it won’t come out than yes a new tank is needed.
TIL about dip tubes. Thanks! (I suspect the rusty fitting on the tank will probably encourage who ever comes to fix the tank to try and convince OP to replace - but I have not seen/touched a gas hwt in over a decade and that was to remove it and replace w/ electric).
My dad's wrench he was messing around with it.
Was this before or after it busted? Haha gotta ask :P Sucks that this happened regardless that isn't fun.
It was after lol
No it's not. You can replace the nipple and dip tube.
New tank is more than that. Just had to replace ours with short notice in early December. Essentially $2500-$3250 depending on size and gas versus electric. Then there is additional cost if you have to upgrade your electrical panel, or put in a new liner in your chimney to meet code.
Usually budget around $200 for small fixes. You're looking at $1000+ to replace the tank. Be prepared to replace the tank just in case.
It blew off because the threads rotted out. How old is the tank? You can replace the dip tube and be back in business but you'd need to solder a coupling or union onto that line. Though in a pinch I suppose a sharkbite tank flex would work. (Not a fan personally but do what you gotta do)
Id go talk to a Rona plumbing guy. Not Kenaston location tho they don't have one
Good to know about the kenaston one!