Tank Type Water Heaters
Water heaters can last up to 30 years, but many fail after 10, predominantly due to neglect. In addition, inefficient water heaters can add dollars onto your bills. If you are having trouble with your water heaters in suburban Chicagoland, Precision Plumbing Services will inspect your heater and provide you with options to service or replace parts or, if necessary, are prepared to install a new water heater. We are experts in both gas and electric water heaters, and provide additional confidence in our service with warranty coverage of at least one year on any parts replaced.
How does it work?
Most water heaters in the U.S. are tank-type water heaters, also called storage water heaters. In these water heaters, water is contained within a cylindrical vessel and constantly heated and ready for use. The most common size water heater tanks in homes are 40 and 50 gallons and some homes may even have a 75 gallon tank.
Most use natural gas, while other use electricity, solar panels, propane or heating oil. One advantage of tank type water heaters are that these larger vessels tend to supply water with less temperature modulation than tankless water heaters.
The gas water heater works by the process of convection, or rising heat. Water is injected into the bottom of a tank through a dip tube. Once the cold water at the bottom is heated by the gas burner (located at the bottom of the tank) it naturally rises and is replaced my more cold water which then begins to be heated. The hot water is then taken up by the hot water pipe located near the top of the tank. The electric water heater usually contains two resistance heating elements, one at the bottom and one at the top of the tank. A switch that senses the water temperature delivers power to these heating elements. When you open a hot water tap, cold water enters into the tank through the bottom and activates the heating elements until the water is heated.
Maintaining your water heater
As water is pumped into your water heater, over time dirt and various sediments and minerals accumulate at the bottom. These materials can make your water heater less efficient and cost you money in the long run.
Call Precision Plumbing and we will make sure that your water heater runs smoothly by inspecting and fixing any problems we may find. We offer convenient 24/7 service in suburban Chicagoland…Is today soon enough?
