The water heater is the main device used at homes that give hot water for different uses like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Many parts of the water heater operate with each other to heat water in the home. Different water heaters’ components and parts that help heat water are listed here. So let get started with Parts of the water heater.
What Is A Water Heater?
- The water heater is a device that heats water to use at home. It is the main component of the home and performs different functions like heating showers, laundry machines, etc.
- The water heater uses any method to heat cold water, gas or electricity.
- A gas water heater produces heat through combustion, while an electric water heater produces heat through the heating component.
- Hot water was provided and used for dishwashing and showering. it saves energy by providing water when needed and remains cold until heated
How Do Residential Water Heaters Work?
- There are two processes used for heating water gas or electricity. Gas water heater, stores heated water in natural gas line.
- Natural gas is burned to produce heat. That heat is transferred to the water that is then heated to home.
- Electric water heaters use heating components for heat production. The heated water is stored in a tank until we use it.
- When turn on the hot water faucet, the heated water comes out and mixes with cold water coming from pipes.
- When turn on the hot water faucet, heated water comes out and mixes with cold water coming in from pipes. it provides hot water for use.
Parts Of the Water Heater  Â
Tank
- it is the main part that is the storage unit of the water heater and has hot water. it made with use of metal and insulated for maintaining water temperature. Try to not touch it since can be hot.
Thermostat
- The thermostat is used for controlling the temperature of water in the tank. it can be set to get the required temperature and maintain it.
Heating Element
- It is the main part of the water heater that heats water. it exists at the lower part of the tank and is made of metal
Dip Tube
- It is a long narrow pipe that works from the upper to the lower part of the tank. It helps cold water to move the tank and heated through the heating component
Pressure Relief Valve
- This valve opens to release extra pressure if the water temperature is high
Anode Rod
- It is a metallic rod that protects the tank from rusting and corrosion. it attracts corrosive particles in water and avoids from damaging the tank
Cold Water Inlet Valve
- This valve helps cold water to be added to the tank and heated
Hot Water Outlet Valve
- This valve helps hot water to be dispensed from the tank and to pipes at home
Drain Valve Maintenance precautions
 Off the Water Heater:
- Electric water can be turned off through a circuit breaker, gas water heater can turned off by turning the thermostat to pilot setting mode or shutting off the gas supply
 Off the Cold Water Supply:
- For this locate the cold water inlet valve at the upper part of the water heater. Turn it off for prevent more cold water from entering.
Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve:
- Connect the garden hose with the drain valve and ensure the hose is strongly connected to avoid leaks.
Direct the Hose to a Safe Draining Location:
- Put the reverse end of the hose in the best drainage location. That can add a floor drain outdoor area or a larger bucket
Open the Drain Valve:Â
- Open drain valve through a turn in anticlockwise and helps water to flow out of the tank through the hose.
Open a Hot Water Faucet:
- Check the hot water faucet close to the water heat and open it. it helps air to enter in the tank, helping the draining process by avoiding a vacuum.
Gas Hot Water Heaters Parts
Gas hot water is a common type of water heater. it generates hot water quickly and gas is low-cost fuel than current. Two types of gas can deliver power to units, natural gas and propane. Both types come with different parts, but not are the same. it is important to know the models used, such as the power vent water heater or standard atmospheric water heater, which also comes with its unique parts.
GAS BURNERÂ
A gas burner is used to produce the heat needed to warm water in the tank. The burner combusts natural gas that produces flames that heat water. This process occurs in the combustion chamber at the lower of the water heater tank. The heat is transferred to water in the tank through the tank’s walls.
PILOT LIGHT AND BURNER HEAD
They are the main part of burners. burner head and pilot ignition system important for burner. The burner head is a component where gas mixes with air, igniting and generating flame. The pilot light or ignition system is used for ignite the burner.
THERMOCOUPLE
Thermocouples are a safety component in gas water heaters. These temperature sensors measure temperatures in the tank by producing an electric current. It occurs when the contact end is heated or cooled. The thermocouple required to be tested and changed if the pilot light goes out frequently or the burner does not ignite
VENTING
At the time of combustion in the gas water heater, toxic fumes can be generated. The gas water heater comes with accurate venting for handling toxic fumes, Accurate venting makes sure harmful gases, are removed from the home. Venting is important since offers good health and safety, efficiency, and performance, also makes sure that the system is according to codes and standards.
FLUE BAFFLE
The flue baffle is a component of the water heater that directs toxic exhaust fumes to exhaust vents so can removed.
POWER VENT
It helps the accurate venting also called blower assembly and made for increasing the venting process by removing toxic gases through the horizontal or vertical vent pipe.
Electric Hot Water Heaters Parts
ELECTRIC HEATING ELEMENTSÂ Â
There are two types of heating components used in electric water heaters, one exists at the upper part of the tank and 2nd is at lower part of the tank.
The top component is first activated, heating part of the tank and making sure that hot water is easy to access. The lower component works when the upper component gets the set temperature, and then heats the lower and remaining part of the water at the bottom.
CIRCUIT BREAKERSÂ
Circuit Breakers is used for safety purposes of electrical systems at home. Breakers protect electric hot water from damage due to overcurrent, short circuits, and other faults.
For connection of the breaker follow two points first one is breaker size that checks the voltage and ampere rating of the unit
2nd is the compatibility of the breaker with the water heater. It is important to check wire size and panel compatibility to find compatibility with the unit and the circuit breaker.
THERMAL CUT-OFF SWITCH
The thermal cut-off switch is used for keeping the home safe and best through monitoring the heat level at the system. In water heaters, the thermal cut-off switch will affect the power to the device’s heating process if the tank ended overheating. The main temperature that triggers the switch is about 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tankless Water Heaters Parts
Tankless water heaters are the latest type of water heating. These systems are growing fast and come with different components that are listed here
FLOW SENSOR
The tankless water heater flow sensor measures water flow coming in the unit, normally needing less water flow level before generating hot water
CONTROL PANEL
Working on a signal from flow sensor, tankless control panel on the source and helps to set water temperature. Some models come with the latest programming and diagnostic error components that can controlled and monitored with Wi-Fi!
What Size Water Heater Do You Need?
According to some standards, an 80-gallon tank is enough for 4 4-member family with a clothes washer and dishwasher. But 40-gallon gas or oil water heaters or 40 to 50-gallon electric water are best for some homes
What Can Go Wrong With A Residential Water Heater?
The residential water heater can be affected due to some causes. The common issue is a shortage of hot water. It can be due to different factors, such as sediment creation in the tank, a faulty thermostat, or a clogged burner.
if there is no hot water, to solve these issues some measures can taken.
if the water heater is more than 10 years old it needs to be replaced. Older water heaters can leak and lose efficiency. Some different water heaters used for replacement purpose are, Tankless or on-demand water heaters, Gas or electric water heaters, and Solar water heaters
Read also:
- Hot water heaters is devices that convert energy into heat and in result produce hot water for use at home
What are the parts of a hot water heating system?
- Cold Water Inlet.
- Dip Tube.
- T&P Relief Valve.
- Overflow Pipe / Discharge Pipe.
- The heating component in electric water heaters works through electrical resistance heating. If electric current flows through this component, resistance to current produces heat, like a toaster working
- With an electric water heater, water is heated in the tank through the electric heating component. With a gas water heater, the gas burner is a heating process. Both exist at the lower part of the tank. The anode rod is also used for safety purposes.
- The water heater comes with a temperature pressure relief valve, an important safety feature made for prevent the tank from overpressure and overheating.
- The thermostat in the water heater is used for monitoring and controlling the temperature of water in the tank. The temperature sensors and control process maintain the required water temperature through the activation or deactivation of heating components.
- The access panel is slide out. Press and hold the water heater pilot button. keep the pilot button pressed so you can start the water heater. if the model does not come with a certain pilot button, click and hold On/Off control.
