Let me describe my situation. My hot water was doing great then suddenly there was no hot water or any flow of water when the hot water was selected in the kitchen, shower or sink. So here is what I have found out:
1. Checked the cold water into the water heater by turning off the water heater, let it cool down, then open the expansion valve. Water ran out and I could stop it by turning off the cold water to the water heater. So I have good incoming water pressure.
2. There are no kinks or restrictions in any of the hot water lines to the shower, kitchen sink or bathroom sink.
3. At the shower, kitchen sink, or bathroom sink, in the hot water position, there is bearly a drip of water-virtually no flow.
4. Then suddenly the water flow is restored then it stops again. It is currently stopped.
5. I removed the plastic fitting attached to the copper nipple coming out of the hot water tank.
6. Looking into the copper nipple, I saw a flow restrictor that is basically a small white plastic donut with a very small hole in the center. What is that??? It appears to be part of the copper nipple or could it have broken off of something in the water heater and gotten stuck in the nipple. The diameter of the restrictor appears to fit the nipple.
7.I tried to remove the nipple but could not break it loose with limited tools on the road. And I have an extended warranty--so the dealer will see it first thing next week.
SO--Any suggestions or has someone seen this before??
