How Does an Electric Hot Water Heater Work?
What makes a water heater work?
An electric water heater has many parts that make it function. It contains a dip tube that allows cold water to enter the tank. A pipe allows hot water to flow out of the tank. An inner steel tank holds 40 to 60 gallons of hot water. A bonded glass liner keeps water from accumulating rust. A thermostat controls the water's temperature inside the tank. Heating elements heat up the water. Drain valves allow the tank to drain. A pressure release valve is a safety feature that keeps the water tank from exploding. And, a sacrificial anode rod keeps corrosion from forming on the steel tank.
How does it work?
Water enters the water heater's tank via a pipe connected to the house's water system. The thermostat will control the water temperature once it is inside the tank. The thermostat can be set to keep the water between 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it is recommended that you keep the temperature between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid being scalded by water that is too hot. The water heater is able to separate cold water from hot water. This happens when the cold water enters the tank. It automatically goes to the bottom of the tank, whereas the hot water rises because of its density.
The water heater also runs off of electricity, so it will need to be plugged into a power source.
How much hot water can I use?
The heating elements in the tank will heat up the cold water as it enters the tank, therefore the amount of hot water your tank holds depends on its capacity. However, if you use up the water quicker than the elements can heat it, which often occurs when washing clothes or taking long showers, you will get nothing but cold water coming out of the faucet. This also happens when you use the entire capacity of the tank. The heating elements will not be able to heat the water quick enough and you will have nothing but cold water.
Tags: cold water, water heater, between degrees, between degrees Fahrenheit, cold water enters, degrees Fahrenheit
