How Does a Gas Water Heater Work? Everything You Wanted to Know about Gas Water Heaters

If it weren’t for your gas water heater, you’d be taking cold showers. But how does a gas water heater work exactly? Find out more here

Water is essential for the most crucial parts of your daily routine. Without gas water heaters, there’d be no hot water. If you’ve ever had your water heater break, then you know just how big of an inconvenience this can be.

It’s important to understand how a hot water heater works. This will help you if you ever need to work with a repair technician to troubleshoot.

If you find yourself asking, “How does a gas water heater work?” then keep reading to find out how these invaluable appliances keep your water hot all day long.

How Does a Gas Water Heater Work?

Gas water heaters are your home’s unsung hero. You may not give them a second thought until they break and you find yourself without hot water. They’re used for bathing, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry.

When water enters your home, it’s cold. The water is channeled into your water heater’s tank by a dip tube.

The gar burner inside your tank heats this water. Since the gas used to heat the water is toxic, a chimney is located inside your water heater.

The chimney then filters this toxic air outside, but since the gas is extremely hot, the walls of your chimney inside the tank also heat up. This is what heats up your water.

Since heat rises to the surface, warm water travels to the top of the tank and is delivered throughout your home’s plumbing via something called the heat-out pipe.

Protective Measures

Your hot water heater has a thermostat that allows you to change your water temperature. Safe temperatures are recommended to be no higher than 125 degrees, with many pediatricians recommending 120 degrees.

Temperatures above 125 degrees can cause severe burns to children and adults in as little as two seconds.

Hot water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve. If the water in the tank gets too hot or the tank pressure is too great, this valve operates by releasing water before the tank explodes.

Additionally, all water heaters have insulation to help water stay warm longer.

The drain valve should be serviced every year to make sure sediment doesn’t build up. Sediment can cause your water heater to perform inadequately, taking longer to heat your water. Regular maintenance of a water heater helps to extend its life.

Make sure to hire an experienced technician for any water heater repair work.

Hot Water You Can Rely On

Gas water heaters keep your water hot when you need it. Whether taking a shower or washing dishes, hot water heaters are an essential component to any home.

Now that this article has answered your questions about, “How does a gas water heater work?” make sure to hire a professional to provide regular service and to keep your water heater running at full efficiency at all times.

Check out our other informative articles and keep up to date with all your home repair needs.