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Gas Hot Water Systems
A large
majority of people use gas hot water systems to heat the water in their home.
The standard tank style of water system is for the most part problem free and
with minimal maintenance can provide years of reliable operation. Standard gas
hot water systems heat cold water and then store that cold water until it is
used. Though that is the basic function of the gas hot water heater, there is
much more to the process than that simple explanation. So, just how does a
standard gas hot water heater work?
The Basic Process
Gas hot water systems operate under a law of physics called convection. This in
more simple terms means that heat rises. Cold water is supplied to the bottom of
the hot water tank through a part called the dip tube. The cold water is denser
so it stays at the bottom of the tank until it is heated by the gas burner. Once
it begins to warm it slowly rises and is drawn off by the hot water discharge
pipe. This is how the hot water tank delivers the hottest water to the
appliances and faucets in your home. Simply put, hot water rises and the water
at the top of the tank is drawn out first.
Cold Water
Cold water is delivered to the hot water heaters tank through a cold water
supply line and that water is controlled through a shut-off valve. The supply of
cold water to the tank can be stopped at any time using that shut-off valve.
This may be necessary for maintenance or emergency, so it is important to know
where your shut-off valve is located. The hot water discharge is the hub of your
gas hot water system. This is where all the hot water is drawn into the hot
water line and distributed to your sinks, tubs and appliances.
The Tank
The outside of a gas hot water tank is called the jacket and it is made of
steel. Inside that jacket is a pressure tested water storage tank. In between
the jacket and the actual storage tank there is insulation to maintain the water
temperature and reduce heat loss. You can also further reduce heat loss by
adding an insulation blanket to the outside of your tank.
Inside the hot water tank there is a dip tube. The dip tube is the entry point
for cold water. In tanks that are lined with glass there is also a metal rod
made of either aluminum or magnesium. This rod is called the sacrificial anode.
This rod is fastened to the top of the tank, but it extends deep into the tank.
The purpose of this rod is to attract corrosion to itself, rather than the
inside of the metal inside of the tank.
The Gas Burner and Control Module
On gas hot water systems natural gas is supplied by through a pipe with its own
shut-off valve. This pipe feeds gas to the control module that also acts as a
thermostat for the gas hot water heater. The control module also controls
ignition of the hot water heaters pilot light. The gas burner is comprised of
the pilot light and the gas burner itself. These can both be adjusted to
maintain the recommended flame height of one half of an inch.
Exhaust Flue
The exhaust flue is a dual purpose part. It vents combustion gases from the gas
burner and it also acts as a heat exchanger to help heat the water inside the
storage tank. The fumes from the flue are vented to the outside of the home to
prevent noxious fumes from lingering.
Pressure Relief Valve
One of the most important safety features on gas hot water systems is the
pressure relief valve and the discharge pipe. These components relieve excessive
temperature within the hot water tank along with pressure build up. This part of
the gas hot water tank is on the top of the tank and usually goes into the
actual tank as well.
Electric Hot Water -
Gas Hot Water -
Hot Water Heaters -
Hot Water Systems -
Instant Hot Water -
Solar Hot Water -
Tankless Heaters -
Tankless Hot Water -
Hot Water Tanks -
Gas Hot Water Heaters -
Gas Hot Water Systems -
Gas Hot Water Tanks -
Instant Gas Hot Water -
Tankless Gas Hot Water
Drain Valve
The tank drain valve does exactly what it sounds like it should. It is used to
drain the tank for periodic maintenance or when the tank needs to be emptied so
it can be discarded.
Next Article
Gas Hot Water Tank
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