How A Water Heater Works [Cutaway View]

If you have questions about your home improvement or maintenance projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.

[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.

[markgrady]

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. 👍🏻

[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.

[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.

[romeowhiskey]

Shannon,
Yet ANOTHER informative video.

EVERY homeowner should be required to WATCH these videos.

Again, GREAT JOB.

[drew]

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!

[dialecticalmonist]

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.

[bobalbert]

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!

[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.

[arkakargodorian]

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.

[benjohnson]

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.

[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

[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!!

[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.

[nitzubishi]

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

[bobdonaldson]

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

[markgraham]

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

[jamesd]

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!

[randyhelf]

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!

[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