Most homes with hot water have water heater tanks installed. It is just one of the types of water heaters out there aside from the tankless water heater types.

What makes them different is that these types of water heaters use an insulated water storage tank where hot water is stored when needed. There can be two types of hot water tanks available in homes- the standard type gas and the electric water heaters.

Main Components

Whether it be electric or gas operated standard home water heater tank, the components generally remains the same. The only difference may be the heat source used to keep the water at the right temperature.

There is the water supply line that provides the tank with cold water to heat. Water supply is usually controlled by a shutoff valve. On the other end is usually the hot water discharge line that leads to the different water outlets and faucets located in the home.

Tank Construction

The water tank itself is made up of several parts. The exterior is made of steel and encloses an internal pressure tested water tank. Insulation is fitted between the external and internal tanks to reduce heat loss when the water is heated and stored. 

On the inside of the water storage tank is the dip tube. This is where the cold water enters into the tank and heater by the burner. In some glass lined tanks, there is another metal rod placed inside called the sacrificial anode. Its purpose is to draw corrosion into the anode instead of the metal tank.

Burner Components

In gas heated water tanks, the burner control is composed of a natural gas or propane supply inlet that has its own gas shutoff valve. The gas line leads to the gas burner control module which acts as a thermostat for the water heater to ensure stable hot water supply and temperature.

The gas burner assembly meanwhile is usually made up of the pilot light and the gas burner itself. Proper adjustment of the burner ensures the efficient function of the water heater.

Other Components

Home water heater tanks also are fitted with gas combustion exhaust flue that helps find exhaust combustion gases a means of escape coming from the burner.

A safety feature of gas heated water tanks is the pressure relief valve that helps relieve excessive pressure and temperature that is building up inside the hot water tank by discharging hot water when necessary.