How to Replace Solar Energy Vacuum Tube?
You can replace broken or lost vacuum tubes yourself. This process takes 10-15 minutes and does not require any special tools. Step-by-step installation guide for 180cm standard vacuum tube.
10-15
Minutes
Easy
Difficulty level
1 Person
Sufficient
0$
Labor cost (DIY)
📑 Contents
Perform the tube replacement in the early morning (before 08:00) or late evening (after 18:00). Working under the sun can cause thermal shock and the new tube may crack!
When Should It Be Replaced?
You need to replace the tube if there are the following symptoms:
There is fogging or whitening on the inner surface of the tube. This indicates that air has entered.
There is a visible crack or break in the tube. It can be caused by hail, impact, or thermal shock.
Other tubes are hot but this tube remains cold. There may be a heat pipe or vacuum failure.
The absorbent coating (black layer) looks peeled or deteriorated.
Required Materials
New 180cm Vacuum Tube
58mm diameter
Silicone Grease
or detergent
Gloves
for glass
Clean Cloth
for wiping
💡 Optional: Spare silicone gasket (if old gasket is damaged)
Step-by-Step Tube Replacement
Remove the Old Tube
This is the most critical step. Be careful!
- • First, free the bottom end of the tube from the supporting clip
- • Rotate slowly while lifting the tube slightly
- • Pull slowly from the manifold while rotating
- • Never force! Gasket may be damaged
⚠️ Caution: If there is a broken tube, be careful against glass fragments. Wear gloves.
Check the Gasket
Examine the condition of the silicone gasket on the manifold:
Flexible, intact, no cracks → Can be used
Hardened, torn, cracked → Replace it
Prepare the New Tube
To facilitate the installation process:
- • Lubricate the open end of the tube (heat pipe side) with silicone grease
- • Lubricate the gasket on the manifold as well
- • If silicone grease is not available, you can use a small amount of liquid detergent
Place the Tube (Critical Step)
Be patient in this step:
- 1. Align the heat pipe (copper end) with the manifold hole
- 2. Push the tube by rotating it with light pressure
- 3. Continue until the heat pipe is fully inserted into the manifold
- 4. If the tube does not enter easily, add more grease
🚫 Never force! Forcing it can break the glass or crush the gasket.
Install the Bottom Support
For the tube to stand stably:
- • Place the bottom end of the tube into the supporting clips on the frame
- • Make sure the tube fits properly
- • It should be aligned with other tubes
Check and Test
Process completed! Now test it:
- ✓ Check that there are no leaks at the manifold connection
- ✓ Check that the tube starts to heat up after a few hours
- ✓ Test hot water production the next day
🎉 Congratulations! Vacuum tube replacement has been completed successfully.
Important Tips
Always have 1-2 spare tubes on hand. You can replace them immediately in emergencies without waiting.
Do not try to install the tube without silicone grease. It will be forced and can break or the gasket will be damaged.
Oily hands leave marks on the glass and disturb heat distribution. Use clean cotton gloves.
Check the tube size (58mm x 1800mm) beforehand. Different sizes create incompatibility.
Spare Vacuum Tube
Get 58mm x 180cm standard vacuum tubes at wholesale prices. You can order with or without heat pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vacuum tube replacement difficult?
No, it is quite easy. You can install the new tube by rotating it with silicone grease. Replacement is done in an average of 10-15 minutes. It does not require any special tools.
When is the best time for tube replacement?
Early morning (before 08:00) or late evening (after 18:00) is the ideal time. Working under the sun can cause thermal shock.
What can I use instead of silicone grease?
If you cannot find silicone grease, you can use a small amount of liquid dish soap or soapy water. However, silicone grease gives the best results and does not harm the gasket.
Do I need to drain the system when changing the tube?
No, you don't need to drain the system. Tubes are connected to the manifold with a rubber gasket and do not leak water during replacement.
