How a Water Heater Delivers Hot Water

Open a hot-water tap and pressure in the home plumbing pushes heated water out of the tank. At the same time, cold replacement water enters through a tube that directs it toward the lower part of the tank. Heating resumes as stored energy leaves with the hot water and the incoming water lowers the tank temperature. General education only, not repair, installation, inspection, or code-compliance advice. Use qualified professionals and local requirements when action is needed. Sources and further reading: - U.S. Department of Energy, Water Heating: https://www.energy.gov/topics/water-heating - U.S. Department of Energy Building Science Education, Gas Storage Water Heaters: https://bsesc.energy.gov/energy-basics/gas-storage-water-heaters - U.S. Department of Energy, Sizing a New Water Heater: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/sizing-new-water-heater