Hot Water Tank

 

 

Home Maintenance Series

Hot Water Tank

Presented by Stephen Lee with CRI

 

 

 

 

Water Tanks at Home

-(Gas) Hot Water Tank

-(Electric) Hot Water Tank

-Tankless Hot Water System

 

 

 

 

(Gas) Hot Water Tank Assembly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Typical Life Span & Costs

Gas(Electric) Hot Water Tank

• 8 – 12 years
• $1000 – $2500 (40 – 50 Gallons)
• Typical size: 30, 40, 50 Gallons

Tankless Hot Water System

• 15 – 20 years
• $2000 – $4500
• On demand

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recovery Rates

       Recovery Rate Defined:

            Gallons per hour (GPH) the unit can reheat to a set temperature rise (typically 90°F rise).

Typical Recovery Rates by Type:

Type	Recovery Rate (approx.)
40-gal gas tank	30–40 GPH
50-gal gas tank	40–50 GPH
Electric tank (40–50 gal)	15–25 GPH
Tankless (gas)	Continuous (up to 5 GPM or more, depends on model)
Tankless (electric)	2–4 GPM (good for small households or point-of-use)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flue

–  Pipe or duct that vents the combustion gases including carbon monoxide.

-Connected to outside roof through vent pipe

-Keeps the slope( ¼ inch per ft minimum)

-4 inch diameter tube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flue system diagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T & P Relief Valve

-Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

-To relieve pressure at 150 psi and temperature at 210 degree F.

-To prevent the tank from rupturing or exploding

-Sometimes this valve is leaking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anticorrosion Anode Rod

-A sacrificial component, typically made of magnesium, aluminum,

or zinc that protects the tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements in the water.

-To expand the lifespan of the water heater.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Tank Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tankless Water Heater Diagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tankless Water Heater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros of Tankless systems

Energy Efficiency

• Heats water only when needed, so no standby heat loss like traditional tank heaters.
• Can save 10–30% on energy bills, especially in homes that use less hot water.

2. Endless Hot Water

• As long as the unit is sized correctly, you’ll never run out of hot water (great for long showers or big families).

3. Space-Saving Design

• Wall-mounted and much smaller than bulky tank heaters—frees up floor space.

4. Longer Lifespan

• Typically lasts 15–20 years (compared to 8–12 years for tank heaters), with proper maintenance.

5. Lower Risk of Water Damage

• No large tank that can leak or burst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cons of Tankless systems

Higher Initial Cost

• The unit itself is more expensive, and installation can cost significantly more (especially if retrofitting an older home).

2. Limited Flow Rate

• Might struggle to supply multiple hot water demands at once (e.g., shower + dishwasher + laundry).
• You may need multiple units for larger households.

3. Inconsistent Temperatures

• Some users experience a “cold water sandwich” (a brief burst of cold water between hot water flows).
• May take a moment longer to deliver hot water.

4. Upgrades May Be Needed

• Older homes may need upgraded gas lines, venting, or electric service for compatibility.

5. Maintenance

• Needs regular descaling (especially in areas with hard water) to keep performance up.