Types of Water Heater Parts & Supplies at Do it Best
Water heaters are pretty self-sufficient, but to get the best performance, you may need to replace a part or find the right accessories, especially if you’re updating your water heater or need more capacity.
Category | Best for | Features | Popular Brands | Image |
Whole-home hot water supply | Tank or tankless, gas or electric options; ENERGY STAR® rated options | Reliance | ||
Repair and maintenance | Heating elements, thermostats, pilot assemblies, drain valves, and more | Reliance, Lasco, Sioux Chief | ||
Safety, efficiency, and installation | Expansion tanks, drain pans, straps, anode rods, insulation kits | SharkBite, Reliance, Oatey |
Water Heaters
Choose from our selection of traditional tank water heaters and modern tankless options. Tank water heaters store between 30 and 80 gallons of hot water for immediate use. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, offering continuous hot water, while helping you save both energy and space. Both types of water heaters are available in gas and electric configurations, allowing you to match your home's setup and needs.
Water Heater Parts
Water heater replacement parts help keep your water heater working at peak efficiency. Many people find that with the right parts, they can extend the life of their water heater and avoid a replacement. Common parts include heating elements, thermostats, pressure relief valves, anode rods, and pilot assemblies. Do it Best carries OEM and universal parts for top brands like Reliance and Lasco.
Water Heater Accessories
Water heater accessories help you boost your heater’s efficiency and safety. Some accessories can also help ensure your water heater complies with local building codes. You’ll find items like drain pans and expansion tanks to prevent water damage, as well as insulation blankets to minimize heat loss. For those in earthquake risk areas, restraining straps and brackets offer added safety to protect your investment.
The Importance of Having the Right Water Heater Setup
For the best performance and safety, it’s crucial that your water heater is set up and installed correctly. Installation is a job that requires experience, but if you’re well-versed in plumbing projects, you can handle maintenance and minor repairs.
No matter what, you’ll need the right combination of water heater parts and accessories to get long-term reliability and cost savings over the life of your water heater.
There are several critical reasons why you need to have a water heater that’s performing optimally:
Efficiency: When a water heater is properly sized and well-insulated, you can reduce your utility costs significantly. By some measures, up to 20% compared to outdated and underperforming systems.
Performance: Speaking of performance, having compatible parts and accessories helps ensure that your water is consistent in both temperature and flow rate.
Longevity: Preventive maintenance can greatly extend the life of your hot water heater, sometimes by 5-10 years or more.
Safety: Faulty valves and worn fittings can cause leaks, and leaks can cause water damage. Prevent the issue by inspecting and replacing parts regularly, before they fail.
Custom Fit: Tankless and traditional heaters have unique part requirements, so make sure your parts match the model or brand for best performance.
How to Choose the Right Water Heater, Parts, or Accessories
Before you purchase a water heater, it’s important to consider how it will meet your household’s needs, budget, and installation requirements. If you’re looking for water heater parts and accessories to make updates or changes, here’s how to find the right components.
Fuel Type
Does your home use gas or electricity? Gas model water heaters can heat faster and be more cost-effective, especially if you live in an area with low natural gas rates. Electric water heaters offer easier installation and cleaner, efficient operation.
Capacity Needs
How much water does your household need? A family of four will typically require a 50-60 gallon tank. Smaller households may prefer to use tankless models that size to flow rate (for example, 6-9 gallons per minute).
Part Compatibility
Verify that the parts and accessories you choose match your water heater’s model number and brand specifications. Trying to install incompatible components can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and even lead to damage.
Efficiency Rating
ENERGY STAR® certified heaters and accessories can help you save significantly on energy costs. Upgrading from a standard model to a high-efficiency model can often reduce your water heating bill by 10-20%.
Installation Location
Where will your water heater be housed? Garage, basement, or utility room? Some areas might need special accessories like drain pans and seismic straps to ensure your water heater is safe and up to code.
Brand & Warranty
When it comes to water heaters, wise folks often stick to trusted brands. Do it Best carries leading water heater names such as Reliance, Lasco, and SharkBite. These brands are engineered for long-term performance, easy installation, and offer warranty support.
Shop the full plumbing supplies collection for everything you need to maintain your home’s comfort and efficiency, including your water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions: Water Heaters, Parts, and Accessories
When should I replace my water heater?
Most tank-style water heaters last between 8 and 12 years. Tankless models can last over 20 years with regular maintenance. If you notice temperature fluctuations, consider replacement. Other signs of water heater failure include rust-colored water, reduced output, and leaks around the base of your water heating unit.
Can I install a water heater myself?
It depends on your level of experience. Basic maintenance, such as replacing water heater parts and accessories (like heating elements or thermostats), can be DIY-friendly. A licensed professional should perform full installations that involve plumbing and gas lines to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
How can I upgrade my water heater?
You can upgrade your water heater with accessories like expansion tanks, smart thermostats, and insulation kits. These measures will boost performance and efficiency. If your system is over 10 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR® certified model to save on your utility costs.
Whether you’re maintaining your water heater or making updates, you’ll find the parts and accessories for your water heater project at your local Do it Best. Shop online for same-day pickup or easy delivery to save time. At Do It Best, we’re ready to help your home improvement projects succeed.