How Do Water Heaters Work?

How do Water Heaters work? Most people ask these questions as the mechanics and functions are hidden inside the water tank or behind the jacket (the water heater’s outside cover).  Your water heater is an important part of your plumbing system, so it’s important that you understand how your water heater works, possible problems you could encounter, and what to do if you need your water heater repair or replaced

Water Heater Explained [Broken Down]

There are a lot of different elements at work inside your water heater. In order to tell if there’s a problem with your water heater, you first need to understand how your water heater works.

Water heaters are powered either by gas or electricity. There are pros and cons to both types — something we’ll dive into later. But inside that water heater is a tank where cold water is brought in and heated. That heated water is stored in an insulated metal tank until you need hot water.

The size of your tank depends on the demand for hot water in your space or home. If you notice that you’re running out of hot water, you might need a bigger tank.

Potential Problems with Your Water Heater

Below you’ll find a short list of the most common water heater problems which cause a lack in hot water supply, no hot water and other malfunctions and problems. These common problems are often found in A.O. Smith, State and Rheem Water Heaters.

Water Leaking from Top

Water is leaking from the top of your water heater could mean a number of things. It could be something as simple as one of your inlet or outlet pipes are loose or have become disconnected. But it could also point to a problem or failure with your T&P valve (see chart above). These problems can usually be fixed fairly easily — just give your local plumber a call!

Water Leaking from Bottom

Checking on your water heater only to see it leaking water from the bottom is an emergency. While water heaters naturally drip condensation because of the temperature difference inside and outside the tank, large water leaks could indicate there’s a bigger problem. Small amounts of water will also be expelled through the overflow pipe if the T&P valve is opening to reduce the pressure in the tank.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your leak, or there are large amounts of water leaking from your water tank, call Choice Plumbing Orlando’s Emergency Plumber at 407-422-7443

Not Enough Hot Water

Are you running out of hot water before you’re done with your shower or washing dishes? This could happen for a variety of reasons.

One potential problem could be with the thermostat. Check the thermostat to see if it’s set at the temperature you want. But if the thermostat on your water heater is not functioning properly, it might be time for a replacement.

If you’re trying to use hot water during the colder months, you might also need to raise your thermostat temperature because the water coming into your tank is colder than usual.

No Hot Water

If you run your faucet but the water coming out isn’t hot, that’s a sign that something’s wrong with your hot water heater. That’s because your tank isn’t heating the water at all. You can start by checking the breaker box to ensure that a break hasn’t tripped. If the power to your water heater is fine, then it might be time to replace the heating elements.

How do hot water heaters work and more explanation about type and options click the links below:

 More: The Truth About Tankless Water Heater

 More: Is It Time for a New Water Heater?

More: Water Heater Service, Repair and Installation (Coupon)