How to Know If You Have an Electric Water Heater Instead of a Gas Water Heater

A hot water heater is a fixture in almost every home.

Hot water heaters are a part of almost every house's plumbing system. Their purpose is to take in cold water and heat it to sub-boiling temperatures. Water heaters employ a number of methods ranging from electric coils to gas flames. Should the need arise for you to replace the hot water heater, you will need to know which type to buy. Identification is straightforward, as generally the only similarity between electric and gas water heaters is their shapes.

Instructions

1. Look at the hot water heater. If it is electric, it will have two panels located on the side which house the coils. The panels will be located at 35 percent and 70 percent of the way up the tank from the bottom. A gas heater will lack these panels.

2. Look at the top of the heater. It should have two copper pipes going into it and either a 12/3 gauge electric wire, if it's an electric model, or a vent pipe, if it's a gas heater.

3. Look at the bottom of the heater. It will have a vented bottom if it's gas. It will be completely solid if it's electric. The gas heater will also have a gas line and regulator near the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• Most heaters are clearly marked if they are gas or electric.

• Check your circuit panel; it may have a double 20-amp breaker marking the heater if it's electric.

• Gas is highly flammable. Be careful when working with gas appliances.

• Electricity is dangerous. Be careful working with it.

• If in doubt, consult a professional.

References

• 321 Plumbing: Standard Water Heater Info