Deformed Piping Near Heater Outlet - Melted?

[rosensama]

I've read that schedule 40 PVC can melt close to the heater outlet, but never it expected to see it as my Aqualink has a "heater cooldown" enabled. Today, while backwashing, I noticed a deformity my pipes (attempted to capture it in the picture below). I assume it has gotten too hot. I have confirmed that Aqualink still kicks in the cooldown period after the heater has been on and increases the variable speed when the heater is on.My questions:

* How urgent is it that I get the deformed pipe replaced?
* Is there anything else it can be other than the heater melting the pipe?
* What can I do to prevent recurrence?



Thanks,
Rob

 

[Richard320]

That almost looks like flex PVC on the vertical section. Are you sure it's melted and not just collapsed a little from being too long?

 

[rosensama]

I'm not sure it's melted, just my best guess. But it doesn't feel flexible at all.

 

[morzh]

Defective pipe? A thinner wall section bulging?

 

[rosensama]

Again not sure. It's hard like any other pipe section. It doesn't deform if it give it a good squeeze.