I’m hoping someone can tell me how complicated replacing a Dip Tube on the McLain Gold Plus 40 is. And would like to know if the Dip Tube is flexible, I have about 3 feet from the top of the tank to my basement ceiling. Thanks.

Why are you replacing the diptube?

When I’m using hot water l can get at least one full shower then the water starts to get cool. When I check the Gold Plus 40, the cold water intake line is hotter then the hot water output line

that is not a dip tube issue.

the cold water enters the tank at the top and the dip tube directs it to the bottom.

even if the dip tube is missing, the cold will still enter the tank but it will take a "shortcut" and come right out the hot port.

i would look for another issue. recirculation line problem ?

Thanks for the feedback, can you explain what you mean by “recirculation line problem”

i should have asked if you have a recirculating line for your hot water.
from the internet... "A recirculation line is a separate water pipe that runs off the hot-water line from the farthest plumbing fixture back to the water heater. A pump at the water heater moves hot water through the recirculation line. Any cold water in the recirculation line is returned to the heater"

do you have to wait for hot water at the farthest fixture or does it come very quickly?

I have to wait.

sounds like you have an inoperative lower element

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Can you explain “inoperative lower element”

paul, our good friend from SC thought you had an electric water heater.

bern, the heater is an indirect style heater.

OK paul, when a water heater has hot coming back up the cold inlet that means there is a cross connection somewhere.

so if you don't have a recirculating system (most common suspect when a cross connection is present)then the shower valve is the next most common place.
some kohler shower valves are famous for this.
may be best to get a tech in to diagnose why this is happening.
it might be as simple as feeling the cold water inlet until it get hot and then try to figure out where that hot is going. it has to be going somewhere.

... oops ...

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

My shower has individual valves for hot and cold water(old bathroom), would this setup cause that same issue?

only way possible would be if someone opened hot and cold to take a shower. left the hot and cold on and had a shut off at the shower head that they closed.
this is a classic cross connection.
cold could back into hot or hot could back into cold. either could happen depending on piping in house.
otherwise, no it could not happen with separate handles.

mixing valve INSIDE clothes washing machine may be a culprit

? valve OFF supply to machine !


or a new single handle faucet ANYWHERE

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

"ANYWHERE" ???

except the neighbors house.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

I do have a shower Head that I can turn off and I occasionally do. But I’ve been doing that for many years.

No new faucets anywhere. If it was the washer machine mixing valve then would it fill with warm water no matter what temperature I selected?

possibly

valve off or disconnect washer and see if your issue disappears


good luck

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Ok, I’m in the process of checking all prior suggestions. I was wondering if an expansion tank on the hot water outlet line of the Gold Plus 40 might make a difference???
Just to remind everyone, this system has worked flawlessly for over 15 years...until now.

sooooooo .... something broke or changed NOW


the question is: what?

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638