Gas Water Heaters - Problems, Solutions,
Repairs, Fixes,
Maintenance and More!
Gas water heaters are the most common type of water heaters in
residential settings. Gas gets the tank up to temperature about twice as fast as
electrics do, and costs less than half what it takes for an electric water
heater to produce the same amount of hot water.
Gas water heaters are less efficient than electric heaters, but electricity is much more expensive.
The tank should be firmly affixed to a structure such as the wall in earthquake prone areas to
prevent a potential gas fire if the tank falls over and breaks the gas connection.
TPR Valve is a safety device for the water heater
Storage type units that have a tank have a TPR valve (and so do electrics). Some times tankless units have TPR valves, and
sometimes they don't.
The TPR valve (Temperature Pressure Relief) also known as a T&P valve, pop-off valve, or just relief
valve, is a safety device on gas water heaters that releases pressure from the tank if the pressure or temperature reach unsafe levels.
The TPR valve is usually mounted on the top of the tank, but can sometimes be mounted on the side of the tank.
A manual release lever located on the relief valve. According to most manufacturers elief valves should be periodically tested
by lifting the manual release lever at least once a year.
Due to the scalding potential of the discharge from the T&P valve, the outlet from the valve should be
piped to a safe area. Typically they are piped down to within 6 inches of the floor or even outside of the dwelling at near ground level.
Check with your local building department for local building code requirements related to the relief valve discharge plumbing.
Anode Rod
The sacrificial anode is a metal rod usually magnesium or aluminum which helps prevent corrosion of the metal tank. Electrolysis eats away the
metal anode instead of the metal of the tank. Once the anode is gone the tank itself begins to corrode. To prolong the life of the tank, make sure your
anode rod is still there, and replace it when needed.
The anode is screwed into the top of the tank and can be replaced. Sometimes the anode is built into a
special outlet fitting. Softeners can cause the anode to wear out more quickly.
Bacteria can react with magnesium anodes causing hydrogen sulfide which can cause a rotten egg odor. Switching
to an aluminum anode rod can help eliminate the odor problems.
Water Heater Dip Tube
The dip tube is a long narrow tube that directs incoming cold liquid to the bottom of the
water heater tank, preventing pre-mature mixing of incoming
cold liquid with the out going hot liquid at the top of the tank. Without the dip tube, or with a broken dip tube, it may seem as
though you run out very quickly, or you just get a luke warm temperature. More
about dip tubes
Thermostat
The thermostat senses when the tank drops below a certain pre-set temperature and causes the burner to
come on. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat shuts off the burner. There
is a knob that allows you to set the temperature to warm med or hot.
Drain Valve
The drain valve allows the tank to be drained for various reasons including periodic removal of
sediment or for replacement. In areas with high mineral content, it is recommended to drain at least 5 gallons from the drain valve every six months or
so to prevent sediment build up.
Avoid cheap plastic drain valves that can easily break off. Replace plastic drain valves with a good
metal ball valve. Ball valves make it easier to drain the water heater
tank as well.
