Water Heater Element: Important Facts You Need to Know

February 21, 2020

The use of water heaters has been the common story in almost all households here in Australia. A water heater is useful in increasing the water temperature that can be used for cooking, bathing, cleaning, or even heating up a room. Without this system, a household is stuck with water that can be too cold for a human body.

One of the most important components in a water heater is the water heater element. This special component plays a huge role in performing the water heating function of a water heater.

Defining a Water Heater Element

A water heater element is a metallic component that is fully immersed within the water of the tank. As mentioned, it facilitates the heating process of the water that is found on your water heater. You must take note that only electric hot water systems possess this component since gas water heaters use different components in heating the water.

Normally, an electric water heater contains two heating elements. One of these elements can be found near the bottom of the tank, while the other one is placed in the middle part. The bottom water heater element mostly does the heating of the water since cold water usually enters the tank from the bottom. The middle element, on the other hand, serves as a backup whenever there is a high demand for hot water. 

Water Heater Elements at Work

Each water heater element of a water heater is controlled by a separate thermostat. These thermostats take the form of switches that can measure the temperature of the water within the tank. They also make sure that the water reaches the preferred temperature of the user. The thermostats of the water heaters come with a dial that can be set by the owner. So, if you want to measure and control your water temperature, then you can use and adjust the thermostat with ease.

Since water heater elements heat the water, it is important that these elements can resist electricity. Every time the water heater is turned on and in use, these elements will allow electrical current to pass through. At the same time, the tank will now allow the cold water to enter through a drip tube. Once the water has entered the tank, both the bottom elements and its corresponding thermostat will react and start the heating functionality.

As the water is heated up inside the tank, the switch closes. By the time the preferred water temperature is reached, the switch will open again, allowing the water to flow out and be accessed through household taps. Even if you don’t open your taps, the electric current will continue to flow. This continuous electric current allows the heating of elements until the thermostats have reached their limit, which will help you gain access to hot water immediately without starting from scratch again.

Importance of Water Heater Elements

The inclusion of water heater elements on the water heater system makes the whole process of heating safe. These elements don’t pose any threats of exploding unlike other ways of heating water. Moreover, the electricity that powers the elements can be extracted from various renewable sources such as solar power and hydropower.  Water heater elements are vital to the water heating functionality of a water heater. To know more about water heater elements, just ask us at Bexley Hot Water Repairs and we can provide you all the answers that you need.

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