The hot water system comes in two major system types - continuous and storage.

Both of these water heater types can make use of various sources of energy to heat water, including solar, electricity, and gas (LPG and natural gas).

Storage water heaters

With storage heaters, the water is usually heated and then stored up in an insulated tank to be used when it is needed.

The systems can function on the mains pressure or from a constant pressure tank. The mains pressure delivers hot water with the same pressure and run speed as cold water.

The gravity feed (constant pressure) delivers hot water at a lower pressure than the mains pressure from a tank placed in the roof.

The pressure of the water usually depends on the height where the tank is placed and the point of water use.

Continuous flow water heaters

Continuous flow water heater systems heat the needed water only. These systems don’t use a storage tank, and thus, do not undergo the energy or heat losses like the storage systems. Continuous flow can function on electricity, natural gas, or LPG. Gas models are obtainable with both electronic ignitions as well as a pilot flame, and they can be raised on the inside or on the outside if the right airing is available.

How does a hot water service work?

An electric storage hot water system functions in a similar way, just like natural gas storage systems.

Water is put in the tank and it is heated.

Afterward, it goes up to the top, where it is drawn off when the hot faucet is turned on.

With electric, one or two elements are placed in the water, heating it from the inside.

Since the heating takes place inside the tank, a flue is not required. A thermostat is usually used to manage as well as maintain the temperature for heating the water.

If the water pressures rise very high, water will be forced out through the pressure release valve and runoff, passing through the overflow pipe.

The continuous flow hot water systems function by warming the water required instead of heating and storing.

As the hot water is turned on at the faucet, cold water is supplied via a heat exchanger that heats the water and drives it through the pipes.

The majority of continuous flow electric systems call for a three-phase voltage supply to function.

How long does it take for a hot water system to heat up?

Although there are lots of factors that might affect the time, gas tank water heaters usually take about thirty minutes to heat up fresh water for the first time.

Electric tank water heaters normally require twice the time compared to gas tank water heaters. Electric tank water heater normally takes about sixty to eighty minutes to heat water.

A tankless gas heater typically heats up water straight away for a normal home though it might take some more seconds for a larger home. Thus, it is supposed to just take some seconds for the hot water to pass through the pipes to your faucet.

A tankless electric heater also heats up water straight away. Therefore it should just take one or two seconds for the hot water to go through the pipes into the fixture.

With tankless electric water heaters and tankless gas water heaters, water is not heated until when you turn in your tap or turn on your shower. They heat the water on demand.