The journey of your hot water begins with the main water line and continues to your shower, washing machine, sink, and dishwasher, among other places. Both gas and electric water heaters are tank-style units. These are the most frequently encountered types of water heaters in homes. They operate largely on the same principle, with the primary distinction being their respective heat sources. It’s always advantageous to have a basic understanding of how your water heater operates. This is especially true for a daily-use machine. Luckily the team at WPH Plumbing have a soft spot for all things water heaters and are more than happy to offer any advice you require.
How does a water heater work in your home?
Heating System Components
Consider how the various components work in concert to generate the hot water you require. These components are identical on electric and gas water heaters, with minor exceptions.
- Tank
Most water heaters installed in homes throughout Australia feature large, insulated tanks that store hot water. These water heater tanks are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 250 to 400 liters. The tank’s capacity should correspond to the number of people in the home who require hot water daily.
- Dip Tube
The dip tube is where cold water enters the tank from your home’s mains supply, well, or another water source. Just before the water heater, your main water line splits. When you turn on the cold-water tap, water is pumped through the cold water service line from the main valve. The water that comes out of the hot water tap is drained into the tank via the dip tube. This occurs before the water enters the hot water service line. The dip tube is located near the tank’s top. This is where the cold water enters and is heated from the bottom of the tank.
- Heating Element
An electric heating element heats the water within the tank with an electric water heater. A gas water heater’s heating mechanism is a gas burner. Both are located at the tank’s bottom.
- Anode Rod
Another safeguard is the anode rod. It protects the tank from corrosion caused by electrolysis. This means that the metal-coated steel rod rusts rather than the tank’s steel lining.
- Thermostat
Outside of the water heater is a thermostat that allows you to monitor and adjust the water’s temperature.
- Heat-removal pipe
This pipe connects the tank’s hot water supply to the hot water service line. It is situated at the very top. Due to the lower density of hot water than cold water, the hottest water rises to the top of the tank.
Water heaters working
Water enters your home via the main water line. The line splits before the water heater into two distinct pathways that comprise your home’s water intake system. You open the hot water tap. Coldwater enters the water heater tank after passing through the shut-off valve, the dip tube, and the dip tube. The heating mechanism located at the bottom of the tank heats the water to the temperature specified by the thermostat. The newly entered water is displaced to the tank’s bottom, while the hottest water rises to the top. As a result, you turned on the hot water faucet, and additional water entered the tank via the dip tube. As new cold water enters the tank, the hot water at the top of the tank is displaced under immense pressure. This hot water is routed up to the hot water tap via the heat-out pipe.
Understanding a hot water system is not difficult when you know the basics. You need a reliable plumber on the Gold Coast if you have a problem with your hot water system, need some general maintenance, or need to consider replacing it. Get the best plumber on the Gold Coast in by contacting WPH Plumbing!
