Hot water is a convenience we sometimes take for granted. If your water heater parts fail, the appliance, in turn, will fail to produce hot water. When this happens, you could be left out in the cold and unable to perform everyday household chores. Understanding water heater components and how they work can help you determine if you can fix it yourself or when it is time to call in a professional.
- Drain Valve: Similar to an outside spigot, the drain valve allows you to drain the water from the tank. This is extremely helpful during service and repair to the appliance such as sediment removal or heating element replacement.
- Thermostat: The thermostat, located underneath one or both of the access panels on the side of the appliance, is used to adjust the desired water temperature.
- Tank: The tank of a water heater is made of a specially lined metal designed to hold up to 60 gallons of water at around 50 to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). The tank is often enveloped in insulating foam and covered by a decorative outer shell.
- Dip Tube: A dip tube is a long tube designed to divert the incoming fresh water to the bottom of the tank where it is heated. Without this tube, the incoming water would linger near the top of the appliance making it less efficient at hot water production.
- Shut-off Valve: Typically, but not always, a shut-off valve is installed along with the appliance. The valve provides a convenient way to turn off the water supplying the unit quickly. Although it is not an actual part of the water heater, it is wise to have one installed in case of an emergency requiring a quick shut down.
- Sacrificial Anode Rod: The anode rod, suspended inside the tank, is fabricated out of aluminum, magnesium or both to help alleviate tank corrosion.
- Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve is designed to regulate the pressure in the tank. If the pressure builds up to unsafe levels, the valve will open automatically to prevent tank rupture. It is also handy when filling the appliance to bleed any air trapped in the tank.
- Heat-out Pipe: The heat-out pipe or nipple is a section of pipe that screws into the water heater tank. It connects to the hot water pipe that carries the heated H2o to other areas in your home.
- Heating Elements: Heating elements are mechanisms inside a water heater tank used to heat the water. When connected to a power source, the elements heat the water to the desired temperature dictated by the thermostat controls.
All the above listed water heater parts work in conjunction to provide you with hot water. Keep up on your water heater maintenance to help avoid costly breakdowns.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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