Given their high speed and low price, it’s no wonder gas tank heaters are prevalent among homeowners. These handy devices might appear simple from the outside perspective, but looking inside reveals a complex system of intricate working parts.
Learning about the role of each component can help homeowners understand the issues they’re experiencing with their units. Let’s review the common parts of a gas tank water heater:
COMPONENTS OF A GAS TANK WATER HEATER
Most tank water heaters include the following parts:
- Cold water inlet: This inlet allows cold water to enter the tank. Closing the attached valve will stop the water from entering, which can come in handy during maintenance.
- Hot water outlet: This outlet allows the heated water to exit the tank and reach the desired fixture (shower, bathtub, sink, etc.)
- Dip tube: Before mixing with the existing hot water, cold water must reach the bottom of the tank (to get heated). The dip tube guides it there.
- Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve: Located at the bottom of the overflow pipe, the T&P valve goes into action when the temperature levels get too high, allowing pressure to escape the tank.
- Overflow pipe: Also known as a discharge pipe, this tube directs the built-up pressure outside the tank.
- Drain valve: As the name implies, this valve drains the tank. It’s located at the bottom of the heater and is commonly used during maintenance or repair.
- Anode rod: Combine the tank’s metal construction with the water’s natural minerals, and corrosion is only a matter of time. That’s where the anode rod comes into play. It will rust instead of the tank walls, prolonging its life span.
There are also working parts specific to gas tank water heaters. Here’s a brief overview of what they do:
- Flue baffle: leads toxic exhaust fumes (flue gasses) toward the exit point from the tank
- Draft hood: funnels flue gasses into the vent pipe (the exit point)
- Blower assembly: pushes stuck flue gasses outside the tank and cools down their temperature
- Gas valve: shuts off the gas supply to the tank (without interfering with the water supply)
- Gas burner: serves as the primary heat source for the unit
- Pilot assembly: ignites the gas burner
- Thermocouple: opens or closes the gas valve when necessary (as a safety precaution)
- Flammable vapor sensor: detects flammable vapors (gas, ammonia, etc.) and prevents the heater from running until their levels return to normal
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
Knowing what each part of a gas tank water heater does is valuable information for any homeowner. However, not all heaters will have the same components or fuel sources. For this reason, tinkering with the inner workings of a gas water heater without extensive knowledge and experience with the specific model can be dangerous. Therefore, homeowners should leave the heater’s gas tank diagnosis, repair, and maintenance to the professionals.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.