hot water tap
Where is the hot water heater in the house? Does it need to be turned on before hot water runs in the bathroom and kitchen?
3 Answers
Your hot water heater needs to be on before you will get hot water. However, you can open the hot water tap and get unheated water with the water heater off. (unless the hot water valves have been shut off). If you are turning the hot water heater on for the first time make sure that it has water in it. Some people drain their hot water heaters if they are gone from home on vacation during the winter months (in case of power outages and the heat would be off, the water heater can be damaged if frozen). If you heat a dry tank you could damage it.
A lot of hot water heaters are in the basement (if you have one). It all depends on if you use gas to heat your house and to fire your hot water heater. If so, then they will likely be close to each other as they usually share vents and sometimes electrical circuitry. If you have an electric hot water heater and a gas heating system the hot water heater will be located where the least amount of water piping is required.
In our house, it's attached to the showerhead. . .it doesn't do much to the water in the kitchen.
It's often in the hallway. Yes the pilot light has to be lit. No don't do it yourself without help or understanding. Make sure you have paid the gas bill.
