Answers to some of the most common questions about water heaters.
Q: Can you explain how a hot water heater works?
A: Electric water heater tanks have two immersion type heating elements controlled by thermostats on the side of the heater.
Q: How does a propane water heater work?
A: A gas water heater works on an immersion type temperature probe which senses the water temperature near the bottom of the tank.
Q: How do you properly vent a gas water heater?
A: All gas water heaters are different. Gravity heaters can vent through a lined chimney or, exteriorly, through a double-walled pipe to the roof line, within the code specs. Power vented water heaters can direct vent outside above the annual snow line. These units are generally more expensive and require electricity.
Q: How do you drain a water heater?
A: All water heaters have a drain built in at the base of the heater. Hook a hose and pump to this drain and open a hot water faucet to break the vacuum to empty the heater.
Q: How can you empty a water heater with a broken drain valve?
A: If you can isolate the heater by shutting off the hot and cold line above the heater, you can sometimes pull a vacuum on the heater long enough to change the valve at its base; however, you must first take the pressure off the tank to allow this to happen.
Water Heater Recommendations
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Q: Who makes the best water heater?
A: If you are referring to electric water heaters, it has to be Sepco/Vaughn stone-lined water heaters . Although heavy to manuever, they tend to last for many years past their warranty period provided the water is of good quality.
Q: Who makes the best tankless water heater?
A: This is a question of preference because each one of us in the industry has a reason for using the tankless water heater we prefer. Most indirect water heaters are similar but we feel that Rinnai tankless water heaters have set the standards for the industry. Being a Japanese company, they are very much on top of any potential problems, so their U.S. market isn’t threatened. We have found both their technology and their response to issues top notch in the on demand market Plus, if you compare warranties and the such, other companies have copied theirs as a standard.
More Questions and Answers:
Answers to Your General Plumbing Questions
Answers to Your Questions About Home Heating
Answers to Your Questions About Radiant Heat
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