 How Hot Water Heaters Work Because a hot water heater's tank is under pressure, hot water exits through the hot water outlet at the top of the tank. When hot water leaves, cold water enters through a diffuser dip tube that extends down inside the tank.
The cold water pipe normally has a shutoff valve. A magnesium or aluminum anode rod utilizes the principle of ionization to minimize corrosive elements in the water that shorten tank life. The larger the anode, the longer a tank is likely to last. The drain valve at the water heater's base is used for draining the tank or flushing sediment. This important maintenance should occur one or twice a year, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve near (or on) the top of the tank opens automatically if temperature or pressure exceed safe levels. This should be tested periodically, according to manufacturer's directions. --Don Vandervort
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Related terms: how hot water heater tank works, how water heaters plumbing works, water heater tank diagram, water heater parts diagrams, water heater shutoff valve
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