Do I need to replace my dip tube?

[kilo138]

So I've done a bit of work on my water heater lines-

-Replaced a saddle valve with an angle stop for my humidifier feed and switched it to the hot supply instead of the cold
-Hot showers then started getting shorter. I would have to turn the valve full hot for it to be somewhat consistent during showers
-I initially believed the humidifier was using all the hot water so I added the humidifier feed back to the cold supply
-Hot water is still running out too quickly- around 3-4 minutes. I can confirm no other sources are using the hot water when this happens.

I'm guessing the work I did on the water heater lines may have compromised the dip tube in the process. There was no way the humidifier feed is emptying the tank.

Is the dip tube the culprit? I'd rather not go through the effort to dive into this if I'm barking up the wrong tree.

 

[John Gayewski]

That's the first place to look with this symptom.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Electric or gas WH? If electric, your lower element may have failed.