There are several types of water heating systems: gas, electric, tank-type or tankless. For today, we want to talk about the basics of a gas hot water heater. In summary, cold water is supplied into its tank that features burners at the bottom. When the water turns hot, it will rise to the top and get siphoned into the pipes and out of your hot water fixtures. This process is repeated whenever you demand hot water. If you are curious at what makes it operate, read on and learn all about its components.
1. The Water Supply Line
The water supply line is connected to your water heater tank and regulated by its very own shutoff valve. This valve is used when you need to halt the transmission of cold water into the system. That’s usually shut off whenever the water heater needs to be troubleshot and repaired.
2. The Tank
The tank is an important part of a gas water heater. It is where the cold water goes in and turned hot by the burners that are situated at the bottom of the tank. Most tanks are made from steel, making them durable enough to hold large amounts of water and pressure due to high temperature without the risk of exploding.
3. The Dip Tube
The dip tube is a plastic pipe that’s inserted into the tank. It is responsible for shooting cold water to the bottom of the container and pushes hot water to the top.
4. The Anode Rod
The anode rod is a specialized rod that’s made from aluminum or magnesium. It is bolted to the top of the storage tank and is intended to lure corrosion to itself. This way, the tank won’t get rusty, thereby preventing damage.
5. The Gas Burners
The water heater tank has a gas line connected to it which is responsible for supplying energy to make the burners work. The burners are regulated by a kind of control module that’s used to turn the burner on or off; to set the temperature of the water and also function as a scald guard.
6. The Exhaust
During the process of convection (or water heating), natural gas is lit up and combustion gases are created. These gases have to escape the tank and get disposed out of the house to avoid causing you and your loved ones health problems. The exhaust takes care of this task.
7. The Pressure Release
When water is heated inside the tank, pressure is created. Such high pressure will eventually make the tank explode if it is not released. This is what the PR valve is made for.
8. The Drain
As we have always mentioned, you need to flush your water heater tank regularly. Sediments and mineral deposits that have accumulated in the tank are removed from the system during flushing. Use the drain gauge to accomplish this maintenance activity.
We hope that you learned a lot about how a gas hot water heater works. If you need help with its installation or repair, just look for professional Oakland Park FL plumbers. Plumbers 911 Florida delivers first-rate plumbing services in Oakland Park FL including water heater repair, water heater service, plumbing appliance installation, plumbing fixture installation and many more! Call us now at 305-662-0668 (Miami-Dade County FL), 954-468-0512 (Broward County FL), 561-327-6287 (Palm Beach County FL)!
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