Why would there be a marble in my water heater?
I recently had a problem with my water heater where we lost water pressure at the hot water outlets. I decided to check for a blockage at the point where water leaves the water heater and found a small blue marble stuck in the pipe fitting. Where would that marble have come from? It looked to me like the marble would have to have been placed there at the time of installation. But why?
it could’ve fell in there
Maybe the plumber had it out for whoever it was had them install it. Or maybe the plumber was looking for a way to have repeat business. Or maybe the plumber was just an ass?
Marbles just don’t fall in hot water lines Missy.
it could be the magnesium anode placed inside to slow corrosion? but thats usually something attached and not floating around.
If you can hear an annoying rattling sound, especially at night, suspect what are known as heat-trap nipples. These were designed to help water heaters meet federal energy conservation requirements. They consist of a nipple, which is a connector threaded at both ends, the plastic insert you can see at right, and a marble, which is inside.
The heat trap keeps heat from rising when the water heater is not in use. But it also is prone to rattle, especially if the water heater is equipped with a recirculation system that keeps water moving. And the piping will broadcast the noise all over the house. To solve the problem, simply take a pair of needle-nose pliers, firmly grasp the top part of the insert, work it loose, and throw away the marble.
sounds like someone is trying to mess with you