Resource Library / Basics of A Water Heater – What you don’t know can cost you!
Basics of A Water Heater – What you don’t know can cost you!
- Posted: Nov 03, 2009
Water heaters are one of those appliances that most homeowners take for granted. As long as you have your hot shower in the morning you just don’t think about it. Of course, there are probably some homeowners that have experienced flooded basements due to their hot water heater leaking. The unnecessary damage to your basement, cost of calling a plumber, and repair costs probably could have been avoided with a better understanding of how a hot water heater works. Understanding how your water heater works, types of water heaters (gas vs. electric), reasons for water heater failure, and when to replace your water heater can go a long way in saving you time, money and aggravation.
A hot water heater operates by the cold water supply line connecting (typically) to the top of the appliance. A dip tube carries the cold water down to the bottom of the tank, instead of dumping it on top of the hot water already in the tank. The cold water coming into the tank remains at the bottom of the tank because it is denser than hot water. The outbound hot water line takes the water off the top of the tank. This insures that when hot water is drawn out, it is at full temperature.
When you turn on a hot water tap, the water pressure from the cold water supply pushes the water out of the water heater and refills the tank with cold water. As cold water enters the tank, the thermostat senses the lower temperature and triggers the heating mechanism.
When the thermostat senses the water temperature has dropped below the hold level, it initiates the heating element in an electric water heater or a burner in a gas model. Even if you don’t use hot water, the temperature in the tank will eventually fall and so the water will be reheated to bring it back up to the desired temperature. A hot water heater basically heats water on a continual basis, whether you are using hot water or not.
Normally you can set the temperature between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 82 degrees Celsius). It is generally recommended, however, that you keep the temperature between 120 to 140 degrees F (49 to 60 C) -- especially if there are children living in the house -- to prevent scalding. This will also save energy.
Water heaters have a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve that allows water to escape if the water pressure or temperature exceeds the limits of the tank. This is an important safety feature that keeps the tank from exploding.
Tanks normally operate up to 150 psi. The T&P valve is designed to release water from the tank when the pressure exceeds 150 psi. The valve will also open if the water temperature reaches 210 degrees (F). The T&P valve should have pipes connected to safely carry away the water without flooding or exposing people or pets to scalding hot water.
In the center of the water heater is an anode rod, sometimes called a sacrificial anode. The purpose of this piece of metal is to corrode instead of the tank corroding. The corrosive action of the hot water attacks the anode, extending the life of the tank.
There are two types of tank water heaters, gas or electric. A gas water heater is nearly identical to an electric water heater, except that it does not contain the two heating elements, but instead has a gas burner at the bottom, with the chimney running up through the middle of the tank.
Both types of tanks consist of a heavy inner steel tank that holds the hot water. Typically, this tank holds 40 to 60 gallons. It has to be able to hold the pressure of a residential water system, which typically runs at 50 to 100 pounds per square inch (psi). Tanks also have a bonded layer of glass to further protect them from corrosion.
The main reason that water heaters fail is due to plain old neglect. Most homeowners forget about them unless there is a problem. Leaks can develop over time and can slowly destroy a water heater from the outside in. Mark your calendar and check your water heater on a regular basis. If the outside of your tank shows signs of neglect have it serviced before it ends up leaking all over your basement.
Another way your water heater fails if due to internal rust. If the sacrificial anodes get used up and they are not replaced the tank will start to rust and eventually to leak. Regular maintenance can prevent this.
Sediment build-up is a third reason water heaters fail. Sediment is created when hard water is heated. It builds up in the bottom of the water heater, where it insulates the bottom of the tank from the protection of the anode. It also causes the bottom to overheat and melt away the protective glass lining. Having your water heater drained periodically can prevent this build up from occurring.
A surprising reason for failure is caused by the presence corrosive fumes. Water heaters draw air in for combustion and the quality of that air is important. Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia or acids or anything corrosive near the water heater can lead to premature tank failure. Also, having corrosives and the water heater in a small closed space concentrates the fumes and makes it even worse.
Lastly, a hidden killer of water heaters and one a lot of people wouldn’t suspect is water pressure. The water pressure gauge on your water heater should never read anything over 80 psi. Anything over that can damage water heaters, piping and appliances.
Most hot water heaters live for 10 – 15 years. If yours is in its later years, you should have a plumber look at it and advise you on how much life it has left. If it is starting to go, or just very inefficient, it may make sense to go ahead and replace it with a more energy efficient water heater. Don’t wait until it breaks down during the holidays and you have a houseful of guests. It takes a while to sort through all of your options and pick the best and most efficient water heater that meets your needs. Be proactive and be ready to replace your water heater before it breaks down and leaves you in a bind.
A basic understanding of your water heater can not only help trouble shoot a problem before the plumber shows up but will also help you to better maintain your water heater. Don’t wait until you’re that unlucky homeowner whose water heater leaked all over the floor of your basement, damaging carpet, furniture or other important items. Maintenance on your water heater helps insure that you have fewer problems to begin with, in addition to extending the life of your water heater. I little know-how goes a long way!
Sources:
www.energysavers.gov
www.energystar.gov
www.acmehowto.com
www.howstuffworks.com
- Posted: Nov 03, 2009
Water heaters are one of those appliances that most homeowners take for granted. As long as you have your hot shower in the morning you just don’t think about it. Of course, there are probably some homeowners that have experienced flooded basements due to their hot water heater leaking. The unnecessary damage to your basement, cost of calling a plumber, and repair costs probably could have been avoided with a better understanding of how a hot water heater works. Understanding how your water heater works, types of water heaters (gas vs. electric), reasons for water heater failure, and when to replace your water heater can go a long way in saving you time, money and aggravation.
A hot water heater operates by the cold water supply line connecting (typically) to the top of the appliance. A dip tube carries the cold water down to the bottom of the tank, instead of dumping it on top of the hot water already in the tank. The cold water coming into the tank remains at the bottom of the tank because it is denser than hot water. The outbound hot water line takes the water off the top of the tank. This insures that when hot water is drawn out, it is at full temperature.
When you turn on a hot water tap, the water pressure from the cold water supply pushes the water out of the water heater and refills the tank with cold water. As cold water enters the tank, the thermostat senses the lower temperature and triggers the heating mechanism.
When the thermostat senses the water temperature has dropped below the hold level, it initiates the heating element in an electric water heater or a burner in a gas model. Even if you don’t use hot water, the temperature in the tank will eventually fall and so the water will be reheated to bring it back up to the desired temperature. A hot water heater basically heats water on a continual basis, whether you are using hot water or not.
Normally you can set the temperature between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 82 degrees Celsius). It is generally recommended, however, that you keep the temperature between 120 to 140 degrees F (49 to 60 C) -- especially if there are children living in the house -- to prevent scalding. This will also save energy.
Water heaters have a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve that allows water to escape if the water pressure or temperature exceeds the limits of the tank. This is an important safety feature that keeps the tank from exploding.
Tanks normally operate up to 150 psi. The T&P valve is designed to release water from the tank when the pressure exceeds 150 psi. The valve will also open if the water temperature reaches 210 degrees (F). The T&P valve should have pipes connected to safely carry away the water without flooding or exposing people or pets to scalding hot water.
In the center of the water heater is an anode rod, sometimes called a sacrificial anode. The purpose of this piece of metal is to corrode instead of the tank corroding. The corrosive action of the hot water attacks the anode, extending the life of the tank.
There are two types of tank water heaters, gas or electric. A gas water heater is nearly identical to an electric water heater, except that it does not contain the two heating elements, but instead has a gas burner at the bottom, with the chimney running up through the middle of the tank.
Both types of tanks consist of a heavy inner steel tank that holds the hot water. Typically, this tank holds 40 to 60 gallons. It has to be able to hold the pressure of a residential water system, which typically runs at 50 to 100 pounds per square inch (psi). Tanks also have a bonded layer of glass to further protect them from corrosion.
The main reason that water heaters fail is due to plain old neglect. Most homeowners forget about them unless there is a problem. Leaks can develop over time and can slowly destroy a water heater from the outside in. Mark your calendar and check your water heater on a regular basis. If the outside of your tank shows signs of neglect have it serviced before it ends up leaking all over your basement.
Another way your water heater fails if due to internal rust. If the sacrificial anodes get used up and they are not replaced the tank will start to rust and eventually to leak. Regular maintenance can prevent this.
Sediment build-up is a third reason water heaters fail. Sediment is created when hard water is heated. It builds up in the bottom of the water heater, where it insulates the bottom of the tank from the protection of the anode. It also causes the bottom to overheat and melt away the protective glass lining. Having your water heater drained periodically can prevent this build up from occurring.
A surprising reason for failure is caused by the presence corrosive fumes. Water heaters draw air in for combustion and the quality of that air is important. Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia or acids or anything corrosive near the water heater can lead to premature tank failure. Also, having corrosives and the water heater in a small closed space concentrates the fumes and makes it even worse.
Lastly, a hidden killer of water heaters and one a lot of people wouldn’t suspect is water pressure. The water pressure gauge on your water heater should never read anything over 80 psi. Anything over that can damage water heaters, piping and appliances.
Most hot water heaters live for 10 – 15 years. If yours is in its later years, you should have a plumber look at it and advise you on how much life it has left. If it is starting to go, or just very inefficient, it may make sense to go ahead and replace it with a more energy efficient water heater. Don’t wait until it breaks down during the holidays and you have a houseful of guests. It takes a while to sort through all of your options and pick the best and most efficient water heater that meets your needs. Be proactive and be ready to replace your water heater before it breaks down and leaves you in a bind.
A basic understanding of your water heater can not only help trouble shoot a problem before the plumber shows up but will also help you to better maintain your water heater. Don’t wait until you’re that unlucky homeowner whose water heater leaked all over the floor of your basement, damaging carpet, furniture or other important items. Maintenance on your water heater helps insure that you have fewer problems to begin with, in addition to extending the life of your water heater. I little know-how goes a long way!
Sources:
www.energysavers.gov
www.energystar.gov
www.acmehowto.com
www.howstuffworks.com
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