Water Heater Dip Tube Replacement Cost in Vancouver
Published: July 22, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
What the Dip Tube Does
The dip tube is a plastic tube inside the water heater that directs cold incoming water to the bottom of the tank. This allows the burner or element to heat the cold water before it rises to the top for use. A broken dip tube mixes cold water with hot water at the top of the tank.
Signs of a Broken Dip Tube
The water temperature is lukewarm even though the thermostat is set high, the hot water runs out much faster than before, you hear water running inside the tank when you use hot water (cold water entering at the top instead of the bottom), or pieces of white plastic appear in aerators.
Replacement Cost
Dip tube replacement costs $300-500 including the part ($20-50) and labour ($250-400). The tank must be drained, the old dip tube removed from the inlet fitting, and the new one installed. On older water heaters (8+ years), consider replacement instead of repair.