How A Water Heater Works [Cutaway View]

[@techsguild]

Excellent Video. I'm 45 yrs old and I know quite a bit about a lot of things from just doing it myself and I have remodel about 5 houses now, some from the foundation up. I do visit your videos quite a bit. I do most of the work myself because I cant afford to have someone else do it. I really appreciate the "extra" time you take to explain things. Especially cutting into the tank. I love seeing "EXACTLY" how it works, just like you explain it. Wish I could thank you in person but until then thumbs up is all I can do. Thanks again.

[@HamidA-to8vy]

I'm an engineer and I work a lot with my hands. As far as I know, Shane is the best comprehensive video reference or manual book for professionals and homeowners.

[@SpringRubber]

Great video, it's awesome to see the inside along with accurate explanations. And this 40 yr old heater was Shannon's own -- bonus! One thing to add: knowing what hot water sits in explains why one should only use water from the cold tap when doing any food prep or for drinking. Not saying it's unsafe but the chemistry and/or taste can be different.

[@carlstewart]

I really appreciate the time and trouble you went through to make and post this video. I'm a DIY homeowner, and now I have a much better understanding of water heaters and how they work. Mine happens to be a gas water heater, which I like much better than electric.

[@HouseImprovements]

+Carl Stewart This was a gas heater as well.

[@yellowhammer4747]

I agree sir!

[@romeowhiskey1146]

Shannon, Yet ANOTHER informative video. EVERY homeowner should be required to WATCH these videos. Again, GREAT JOB.

[@nalgene247]

Us homeowners who watch these videos should get an insurance break!

[@bobalbert2828]

Awesome video! And I really appreciate that you cut it open so that we can see what goes on inside of a water heater. I know it's not easy to cut those things open and thanks for taking the time to do that for us! And thanks for explaining what goes on inside of a water heater!

[@drew5334]

Every plumber should see this, *so* many have learned to work on them like it's a black box without seeing exactly how the innards work. Thank you!

[@markgrady437]

I have learned so much in your in depth videos and attention to detail. You are so informed and you take the time kinda like baby steps for your listening audience. Kudos to you Shannon and keep up the great work providing information for people like us watching you doing what you love to do with the things in every day life. 👍🏻

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad you like them!

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

THANK YOU for showing us this. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video of an open, old water heater is worth a thousand pictures.

[@HouseImprovements]

nicely put

[@lckosie]

Great video. I had no idea there was an anode in a water heater. I knew tanks would rust out every 10-15 years, in my area, but didn't realize the life could be extended by replacing the anode.

[@arkakargodorian1389]

Excellent presentation. Very clear view of the inside. Perfect explanation. It may make sense to use a 20 year old water heater since the life expectancy seems to be about 20 years, and so people don't think that all of them look that bad inside. I really appreciate your effort.

[@jamesd7154]

Wow 40 plus years! Just bought a house with an 18 year old water heater. You give me hope to get another 22 years out of it lol. Great video!

[@worldview730]

Not for the new models today you won't, even if you get an extended warranty

[@Xixu.co.6]

Replace it. The inside of the tank is disgusting at this point.

[@ynagpaul]

Very detailed and easy to understand description of how this thing works. Thanks for the time you took to create the video. I am sure it will help many. You covered all the elements including Anode rod, inlet, outlet, the dip tube, the drain system, the pilot light, the burner, and the pressure relief valve. Testing the pressure relief valve once a month is a good idea. But at the same time replacing it every year should be considered. Thanks again Shannon. Very good video.

[@benjohnson2968]

What a great video. When I started my search for the reason why my water heater on puts out a few minutes worth of hot water ... all I was thinking wasb $500 .... $500... 5 hundred bucks!!! And I watch this and even though it may be something completely different cause I haven't even looked at it, I feel good. Your honesty and knowledge reminds me of when that was the common way to treat others. I'll remember to pass it on. I thank you again. Take care.

[@markgraham5939]

What an excellent overview! I am definitely subscribing to this channel. The Shannon should teach people how to post instructional videos on KZbin. No BS, Straight to the point, and I actually feel smarter watching KZbin. Learned something today! Thanks Shannon!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Mark. Check out our forum as well if you ever have any questions. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@canitogalicia]

You are an honest person with a lot of knowledge on water heaters,,,as a new home owner I learned a lot,,,, thank you

[@303nitzubishi4]

Excellent presentation and priceless view of a real world water heater not an artist rendering or manufacturer diagram of shiny new components. The dip tube makes alot more sense to me now

[@heaththebean]

You saved me a a lot of money and the power of knowledge you shared helped me to accomplish restoring my gas water heater and removing the electric. I am making my house solar electrically and using gas as my secondary energy source. I have taken my first shower with my repaired gas water heating unit. Thank you!!

[@joem5110]

49 years old and didn't know they had a anode rod in them like my motorhome. Learn something every day, thanks.

[@onlyonejennymarie]

Joe M Mobile home has one since 1979 it’s an original and it’s leaking!

[@joem5110]

@@onlyonejennymarie Not a mobile home a motor home

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

Earlier today I picked up a anode and drip tube and installed it. I now know why a plumber rather install a new water heater while on the job. Since it’s the beginning of Christmas I needed to save some cash. Thank you. I had to lay the heater down since my impact wrench is at work. Thanks again

[@imagesfromLA]

If you're not going to do the work yourself, always get more than one opinion from different plumbers. I had a leaky gas pipe under my house. A plumber came, and told me besides the leaky gas pipe, there were numerous things that needed replacing, and gave me a price of over 9 thousand dollars. I called another plumber, and he fixed my problem for 6 hundred dollars. That was 10 years ago, and I haven't had any problems. The first plumber tried to use scare tactics, and encouraged me to use credit to pay the 9 grand. Always get a second opinion. Thanks for this excellent video by the way.

[@raneilalonzo]

Great video! It's good to see the inner workings of a gas water heater.

[@bunyberries]

Thank you so much this video it helped me understand why maintenance is so important I’ve lived in my house for a little over a year and never even looked at my water heater till a friend of mine said she cleans hers every year. this was a very well done! much appreciated

[@vinson1950]

You have opened my eyes to the workings of my water heater. The anode rod was a surprise and replacing the dip tube never entered my mind. Thanks.

[@StephenInoue]

Excellent inside look on how we get hot water! Thanks for creating such a helpful video. Would love to see more manufacturers make easy to replace components.

[@randyhelf4874]

this was a very helpful video I work at home Depot as a plumbing associate and I recommend all my customers buying a hot water heater to watch this video first!

[@HouseImprovements]

I appreciate you passing on our channel to your customers! Thank you

[@pattayotte7398]

thank you for the great education of my water heater. I've been noticing my hot shower getting shorter thinking maybe too much sediment . Haven't flushed for a while. Didn't know about the dip tube. I'm a widow and have some ideas of maintenance of my home. I helped my husband build our home but that was years ago and I like knowing what's going on . When I have had someone come to help me. Many times I've been told things that are not true. The surprise on their face is priceless .So to have you educate me is a wonderful thing. Education is the key and I thank you for giving me this video and your time.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Patt

[@max2000222]

Love your work, especially the basement finishing videos. I'm almost 3/4 of the way there. I came to this video because I need to replace my anode rod and due to limited ceiling clearance I will need to insert the rod at a sight angle. I wanted to make sure of the internal workings of the tank as not to puncture something in the process. The tank if fairly simple and open and I do not anticipate any problems in the process. Thanks again.

[@bobdonaldson445]

Nice overview. All homeowners should watch this. Water heaters are one of the most neglected appliances in the home.

[@dcrickerson9775]

Shannon, your videos are superb. I have learned so much from watching and I thank you.

[@stf2400]

+DC Rickerson now 699 likes and 1 dislike. The dislike was someone that doesn't maintain their water heater, lol

[@multinaire]

Either they are a salesperson for water heaters or lazy. I learned this the hard way; agreed.

[@Hooch737]

Have to add my complements- cut-away added understanding- excellent job

[@jessethomas1361]

THanks shannon, wife and i have had our first house for about a year and a half and the water heater started leaking thru the releif valve. i wanted to understand what i was doing, watched your video and know feel comfortable fixing it myself. thanks.

[@peterjowyk637]

Thank YOU for explaining the inner workings and how a WATER HEATER FUNCTIONS. WELL EXPLAINED. I learned a couple of things from watching.

[@markjulius2006]

Nice presentation. My water heater just went out 2 days ago. What a mess. It lasted 16 years before giving up. I never changed out the anode or dip tube. It worked fine right up to it's last breath. Maybe I could have gotten more years out of it, if I had only did the proper maintenance. I still don't understand why stainless steel isn't used. I would be willing to spend the extra money knowing I was buying a water heater that would last 2-3 times as long as the typical lifespan. Thanks again for the video. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@the_learner12]

Thank you for cutting open the tank. It aided your explanation immensely!

[@huideyin375]

Like always, Shannon's home maintenance videos are the best at youtube I can find. Thanks for sharing, very very helpful.

[@ds99]

That's amazing. Thanks Shannon. The inside of a gas water heater is very different from what I imagined.

[@аралтанманджиев-п2ж]

What a great presentation, Shannon! It was very interesting. The cutaway is awesome. I wish I could find in Russia a water heater like this. Over here we mostly have elecric or indirect tank water heaters. The gas water heaters are all tankless.

[@TheWoodStroker]

I happened to replace my anode rod and drained my gas water heater yesterday. The anode rod was 7 years old and it was eaten away pretty well. Lots of junk came out of the drain too. Great video.

[@jameslaulette181]

Thanks for posting this video. I am a new home owner who unfortunately does not know much about this type of thing. Very informative!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching

[@Neel71]

WOW! Nobody could explain better - I mean nobody - I was taught by a lot professors:-) Keep up the superb work.

[@Entrepreneurshipdog]

Best repair video I watched in a long time! you really explained all the intricacies of how a water heater works. After watching that video so many things related to hot water and heating made sense. Like why after a while hot water runs out faster each passing year.

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks Robert, glad we could help.

[@a_thing_overtheneck6263]

Great video and very helpful. My old one brand name Reliance... for more than 22 years never done any maintenance since I moved in. Finally the metal tank leaking so I got a new one from GE of SG40T. And I'm following the maintenance annually got no pilot fire every time.

[@condor5635]

Most awesome video. Shows the reason why all crud does not drain out of the drain. The hole for the drain is really a half inch to an inch higher than the low part of the tank. Thanks for posting

[@arunsupe]

Very nicely explained. The cut-away view inside the heater was invaluable. Thanks for the great video.

[@kinggemini9584]

Extremely detailed explanation, really appreciated for the provision of details specifically about the hidden parts of a gas heater/geyser.

[@tigercow1]

Thank you Shannon, your video was so helpful. Last time I ignited the gas water heater myself after watching your video, this time I learned how the water heater worked.

[@darrenruch3588]

Shannon -- thanks for the explanation. I knew -- generally speaking -- how my water heater worked, but this video really put it all together for me! Keep up the good work, and please keep the videos coming...

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks

[@Steveorino123]

Great idea to have a cross section of an actual water heater. Absolutely the "best way to get a visual" on what goes on with a gas water heater. Thank you!

[@melissaharder4867]

Great video, now i understand how hot water tanks work, and how to maintain them, thanks to your patient and expertise at explaining. Thank you.

[@Lance-Stroll]

Your videos are the best. I've learned a ton from u. Gonna try an outdoor shed soon. Never built anything in my life but your videos have given me confidence

[@leojoseph6385]

Thanks for the much needed tutorial on my 50 gallon, 25 year old gas water heater. I was grossed out by the inside view! The Anode Rod has not been changed it at least 5 years...I guess it's time to look for a new Water Heater.

[@kushmittal7]

I have learnt so very much for your videos (drywalling, painting, and now this one) ...thank you!

[@eduardojimenez4157]

Mr,Shannon your video iit's fantastic about water heater ,now I feel more confident working in my water heater tank because I had several questions before with your explanation from a to z in your video I feel secure continue working my water heater tank Again thank you eddeiku

[@shyamlynn243]

I love seeing cutaways. Great video and explanation, thank you.

[@lilijones2386]

Thank you so much. I just got a new water heater and now I know how to maintain it. Thanks again

[@HouseImprovements]

great to hear

[@BambooMonkey]

My first ever KZbin comment, thank you so much for making this video. For those who thumb down, explain yourself.

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks

[@silva7493]

Wow! 50 years?!?! Color me impressed! Welp, I've known for at least @ 40 years that you're supposed to drain the gunk out. Does that mean I ever do it? No, it doesn't. Though once when I had a very nice new one I had planned to take care of it like I was supposed to, but I couldn't get the water to drain out. I have no idea why not, and I never tried it again. This was back in the pre internet, pre KZbin days. I was probably just lucky that it worked for as long as I needed. It may still be working now, but I'm no longer there. Your video was very interesting, I've been wondering quite a while what was going on inside these things.

[@bmfilmnut]

Well done! Thanks for posting this. I had thought that the pressure relief valve was activated by excess pressure but you mention that it actuated by heat. That's something I didn't know before.

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

What a terrific video. Thank u Shannon. Your videos are a homeowners best friend.

[@sissycarolina4863]

Great explanation! I just had to replace mine after 15 years. I didn't realize there was so much junk/rust and nastiness in there. I'm thinking do I want to shower in that. LOL. I will take better care of my new one. Thanks again. Subscribed!

[@suebruenderman1178]

Excellent! Straightforward, clearly and simply explained.Thank you VERY much. Very knowlegeable person.

[@agtaylor78]

Thank you for your time to make such a clear and easy to understand video! And share all your knowledge with the rest of us. I just wanted to say thank you! And great video too! Awesome!

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks

[@hexatorus5452]

absolutely amazing. Best video on water heaters. Thank you a ton. I can't put into words how great this video was.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped

[@benhoogenband8729]

Thank you .. that was very helpful and now I understand much better how my gas water heater works.

[@Druwar]

Thanks for this video. Really great to see the inside of the water heater. And your explanation was great and the quality of the video is most excellent.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Drew

[@carolriley7362]

Thank you for explaining, your a great teacher. It's nice to see the guts of a water heater.

[@HouseImprovements]

its pretty cool isn't it!

[@soursop]

Excellent presentation, I learned a lot today

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad to hear that.

[@pirasannasivalingam4486]

Great video. I really enjoyed how you explained everything. Everyone that owns a home should watch this video.

[@isiascabitx7869]

Thanks for the video..Ived been working to the water heater factory for long years but i havent known that how the gas water heater works thanks for the information....

[@rajeshprasad5721]

Wow, such a nice and detailed explanation. So easy to understand once you see the inside of it. Thanks for putting it together.

[@powe7687]

Shannon thank you This is an excellent video. I had no idea what the inside of my tank looks like and I was afraid to try to do any maintenance due to power phobia and die phobia and injury phobia (lol) Now I feel a lot more confident to try to service my old tank before buying another,

[@pepperdog3761]

one of the best presentations I've seen on you tube. learned very much. thank you very much, so helpful

[@Nous3rnam3haha]

I wish you mentioned how often the replaceable parts should be replace. Primarily the anode rod. Still was a great valuable video imo. Definitely understand water heaters more than I did now. Thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

See my water heater video playlist:kzbin.info/aero/PLh0KqGKtX4oX8PpH-4c08lqwQrSYBQqEH

[@equanimousawareness]

I needed to know. You did an AWESOME job explaining. I thought 50/50 someone actually cut one open and there you were. Thanks!!!

[@BuziDJ]

Excellent! Thank you very much for the open view explanation, Very helpful!

[@thesteezylifeofdrew]

Whole new understanding of water heaters. Thank you.

[@philipgiacalone5605]

Wonderful video. Thank you for cutting a heater open and explaining all of the internal details so clearly.

[@mmeyers111]

Best video on hot water heater operation and maintenance. Thanks

[@lloydprunier4415]

Thanks ! Glad you posted this video, I've drained my heater a couple of times but have never known that the cold water tube could disintegrate like that. I'm going to try to flush mine out and if I can I'll look inside with my inspection camera. Probably go through the anode hole or the hot water outlet. I will probably be buying a new heater because mine is getting pretty old and we have a lot of minerals in our water supply. I have distilled some water before and was amazed at all of the white build up in my pressure vessel in just a few gallons. I can only imagine what is in the heater.

[@qckdrw6763]

Very good video. Very helpful in helping me diagnosis my issues with my water heater.

[@edca8114]

this is a very cool video I do appreciate your effort to bring it on line Thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome.

[@carolynscott9007]

How does the plumber know if you need a new dip tube? Thank you for a great video!

[@kevinyork4757]

Nice video. I watched at 1.5 speed and it was easy to understand at that speed. In NC they have changed some of the building codes for water heaters, so fixing mine would be great... to hold off getting a new one for a while. I have to admit, there is a big part of me that fears sprouting a leak when putting back a new noble element, Dip Tube, heater element, or dip tube.

[@giovannicherico3837]

Thank you for showing us how a water heater works and some maintenance recommendations. I learned a lot.

[@HouseImprovements]

+giovanni cherico you're welcome, be sure to check out our other water heater videos.

[@9175rock]

Thank you very much for this video. I wish I found this last week. I suspect it will cost me in water waste. This helped me a lot, appreciate you!

[@raycalandra1887]

Great video. I now have a better understanding of the water heater. How often should the anode rod be replaced? I replace the one in my RV water heater every 3 years.

[@garys10]

Great video. Saved me from replacing a 14 yr old heater just by changing the dip tube. Stores kept telling me I needed a new heater, plus installation cost. Dip tube replaced by me for less than $15.

[@HouseImprovements]

perfect!

[@danrowe79]

Great Video - Thank you! Only cutaway of a boiler I've ever seen.

[@jb_90265]

great video ... thank you for sharing the insight, tips, and explanation ... my parents rheem water heater lasted 35 years with no maintenance .. no draining no anode .. nothing .. in humid georgia .... insane huh ??

[@weimarutube]

Excellent! Thank you for taking the time to show people how this woks.

[@10SecondZ06]

Great video, cut away, and explanation. Now I understand exactly how it works and what could have caused my failure. Thanks for your time making this video!

[@jimsomethingelse9493]

I knew all that but you did a good job of explaining. Because it's so difficult and expensive to change my water heater I invest a lot of time trying to make it last. Since it was yours I'm surprised you let the sacrificial anode deteriorate to that degree. I'm glad you mentioned it was yours, but it would be good to mention how old it was and what your maintenance routine was. How often you drain. Whether you completely drain or only a few minutes. I have a hose connected to mine with a ball valve. I run water for a couple of minutes every quarter and check the anode annually. During the anode check I drain the tank completely. It is now 15 years old and hoping for 25.

[@HouseImprovements]

According to dates on this heater it was nearly 30 yrs old. I had owned the house for about 13 of those years. By the time I owned it this heater was past being able to drain easily because of the build up in the bottom the drain usually did not seal well for a while afterwards so I did not drain it often. The dip tub was changed as needed and anode was changed every couple years.

[@sws-vlogs]

Best explanation ever! 👌

[@davidrowinski2160]

Thanks. Very informative. I had an idea how they worked. Now I know for sure. I wonder if I have enough top clearance to replace an anode. I will see how long they are. I have 33 inches of clearance. I heard that there are segmented ones available.

[@mendoza59nm-76]

I always wanted to know how it works thank you

[@bcgogue3239]

Thanks for taking away the mystery of how a hot water heater works. It was very easy to understand. As DYI homeowner with several rentals, I learned a lot from your video to be able to talk to a plumber when service is needed. That is empowering in itself. Would like to get your opinion of the available gas water heaters at the big box stores. If I need to purchase, should I get Whirlpool instead of Rheem? Some of local plumbers I have contacted (from Angie's list) supply BradfordWhite gas water heaters and will not install a big box store water heater which I totally understand. I don't intend to install but use an expert instead.

[@Blondd4u2]

Thank you that was the most informative video on this matter I have seen , My Richmond gas mobile home water heater is crackling and popping so I drained but not much sediment came out, then i grabbed my hose and put high pressure nozzle on it and and squirted it in the drain hole well a little sediment came out, I needed to look for any other ways to remove it all , then i found your video> Thank you! for now i am going to get the water heater going again and see if the popping noise has stopped. if not what do i do then? any advise would be much appreciated

[@HouseImprovements]

please come to my forum if you have trouble. we can discuss from there. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@freddiemaxwell8959]

I made the mistake of popping the pressure relief valve on an old heater. ain't no telling when the last time it was done. (Probably never) The valve must have been corroded, because no matter how many times I actuated it; it kept on dripping until I replaced it. So keep that in mind that you may have to replace it if it hasn't been done before. Great video by the way!

[@raquelsapalaran2907]

Short video but very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@patribtr]

Very good video of how a heater works. Loved seen the cut away. Thanks so much !

[@ejs6097]

Hey Shannon, Thanks for another great video! : ) Great look at the guts of a water heater, & maintenance tips such as dip tube and anode rod.. I caught your response in an earlier reply about every 1-3 yrs on anode rod, & as needed on dip tube... So just wanted to say thanks! Very much appreciate what you do, and please keep on making the great videos : )

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks for watching. Please share or channel with everyone you know.