Parts of a Water Heater
The most-common type of water heater uses natural gas. Other than its tank, it's a device that relies on only a few small parts to ensure that in your bathrooms and kitchens, you always have hot water on demand. Does this Spark an idea?
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Plumbing
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The water heater is connected to a building's water system by a cold water intake line and a hot water line leading out from the hot water tank. The hot water line takes hot water from the top of the tank and pipes it throughout the house.
Relief Valve
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Water heaters also have a temperature- and pressure-relief valve that opens if the temperature or pressure exceeds safe limits. The tank is tested to 300 pounds per square inch (psi) and the pressure is usually 50 to 100 psi. The valve will usually release water if the pressure exceeds 150 psi or 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This valve is connected to a pipe that runs down the outside of the water tank. It is not connected to a drain.
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Tank
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Though there is a new type of water heater that is tankless, most water heaters have an insulated case. The tanks are generally made from steel and have a glass lining that helps prevent corrosion. The tank serves the water heater's secondary purpose, which is to store the water once it is heated. This supply of water enables you to shower or fill a tub with hot water. Otherwise, the hot water would have to be used immediately and there would be delays between heating the water and being able to use it. The tanks usually come in sizes that hold 40 to 60 gallons of water, though larger and smaller versions can be ordered.
Anode
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Inside each tank is a magnesium anode rod, which helps control corrosion. The rod is designed to corrode and will do so in place of the steel tank. The anode rod should be checked annually and replaced if it has corroded away.
Burner
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Natural-gas water heaters have a burner at the bottom of the tank. The thermostat controls the temperature in the tank. If the water is not hot enough, it turns on the burner and allows gas into the tank to burn. Exhaust gases are vented through a chimney up the center of the water heater. Electric water heaters have heating elements in the water instead of a burner and the heating element is controlled by the thermostat.
Drain Valve
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The drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater. It lets you drain the water from the tank so you can replace the anode or the elements in the tank. It also allows you to clean the sediment from the tank.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dan McKay
