Explore a Water Heater

Choose a part to learn what it does and where it connects.

Explore the parts

Meet the water heater

Choose a part to see its name, what it does, and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Tank

The insulated tank stores water while it is being heated.

How it connects

Every other part fits inside or onto the tank.

Insulated tank body

Dip Tube

The dip tube carries incoming cold water toward the bottom of the tank.

How it connects

It connects to the cold water inlet at the top and reaches near the bottom.

Cold water inlet
Reaches near the bottom

Lower Heating Element

The lower element heats the larger cooler area near the bottom.

How it connects

It threads through the side of the tank near the bottom, with its own thermostat.

Side wall mount

Upper Heating Element

The upper element heats water near the top when that area becomes cool.

How it connects

It threads through the side of the tank above the halfway point, with its own thermostat.

Side wall mount

Anode Rod

The anode rod slowly wears away to help protect the steel tank from corrosion. It does not clean the water.

How it connects

It hangs from a fitting at the top of the tank, running most of the way down through the water.

Top fitting

Hot Water Outlet

Hot water leaves through this connection near the top of the tank.

How it connects

It connects near the top of the tank and carries water onward to the taps in the house.

Hot water pipe

T&P Relief Valve

The T&P relief valve can release dangerously hot water if temperature or pressure becomes too high.

How it connects

It connects directly to the tank and an open discharge pipe carries released water toward a safe location.

Tank connection
Open discharge pipe

⚠ Never touch or test this valve yourself. Escaping water may be dangerously hot.

Expansion Tank

The expansion tank gives heated water extra space to expand in some closed plumbing systems. Not every plumbing system uses this exact arrangement.

How it connects

It connects to the cold water line just before it reaches the tank.

Cold inlet line

Meet the water heater

Choose a part to see its name, what it does, and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Exit Activity

Learn on screen, explore safely

This activity uses a simplified model to explain how something works. Real objects may have different parts and designs. Ask a trusted adult before using tools, opening equipment, making repairs, or taking anything apart.

This is a learning diagram. Never open or work on a real water heater.

More details

Never open a real water heater, remove access panels, touch wiring, adjust thermostats, test heating elements, operate the relief valve, drain the tank, or disconnect plumbing — those are jobs for a licensed professional.