Hot water heaters can be connected to your home’s plumbing system in a number of different ways. It all comes down to which pipes in your house your water heater’s inlet connects to. Some of the most common hot water heater connections are listed below. But not all of these connections are equally common. It’s important to understand what each type of hot water connection is and how it works before making a selection on your next purchase because each type has its own limitations and benefits.The two most common types of hot water connections are the wall-mounted type and the outdoor unit connection. Outdoor unit connections are also known as above-the-counter or ATC connections. Let’s take a closer look at what these different connections are and how they work during normal operation.

Kitchen Sink Connection

The kitchen sink connection is probably the most common type of hot water connection you’ll find in homes today. It’s a simple, straightforward connection to your water heater’s incoming supply of cold water. After the water in your sink drains down into the pipes, it flows into the water heater’s cold water inlet and into the hot water tank.The kitchen sink connection is simple and straightforward, but it’s also one of the least reliable types of hot water connections out there. It can be susceptible to leaks and scalding, and it can also be difficult to repair in the event of an emergency. If you live in an apartment, this connection may not be available to you.Many building codes require kitchen sink connections to be located in a closet or in a locked utility room. This is done to prevent children or guests from being exposed to scalding water, which is extremely dangerous.

Walled-Basement Connection

The wall-basement connection is commonly used in houses that have a finished basement. In this type of installation, the hot and cold water supply pipes are hidden behind a wall, which is where the water heater is installed. The water heater has two fittings on the end of its supply pipe. The first fitting connects to the supply pipe, and the other connects to the hot water pipes in the basement.The wall-basement connection is a very reliable type of hot water connection. It’s also fairly easy to repair in the event of a leak or other type of problem. However, the connection doesn’t allow for much flexibility. If you ever decide to move the water heater or expand the number of hot water outlets in your house, you may need to replace the water heater.

Kitchen Sink and Wall Connection

The kitchen sink and wall connection is very similar to the kitchen sink connection, but it’s a bit more complicated. This connection can be found in houses that have a finished basement, but it can also be installed in a kitchen or dining room on the first floor. Like the kitchen sink connection, the kitchen sink and wall connection begins with the cold water supply pipe from the water heater, but then turns into a hot water supply pipe. The connection is made with a special fitting that’s installed in a wall near the kitchen sink. The special fitting ends in a hot water pipe that runs to the kitchen sink.The kitchen sink and wall connection is a fairly reliable connection. It’s also fairly easy to repair if there’s a problem. But like the kitchen sink connection, it doesn’t offer much flexibility. If you ever decide to move the water heater or expand your water supply, you may need to replace the water heater.

Walled-Basement and Kitchen Sink Connection

The wall-basement and kitchen sink connection is very similar to the wall-basement connection, but it includes a special fitting that connects to the kitchen sink. This special fitting is installed in a wall near the kitchen sink, just like the connection in the wall-basement connection. The kitchen sink connection also includes a connection to the hot water supply pipe in the kitchen.The kitchen sink and wall connection is a relatively reliable connection, and it’s fairly easy to repair if there’s a problem. But like the other connections, it doesn’t offer much flexibility. If you ever decide to move the water heater or expand the water supply, you may need to replace the water heater.

Walled-Basement and Wall Connection

The wall-basement and wall connection is very similar to the wall-basement and kitchen sink connection, but it’s a bit more complicated. This connection can be found in houses that have a finished basement, but it can also be installed in a kitchen or dining room on the first floor. Like the kitchen sink and wall connection, the wall-basement and wall connection begins with the cold water supply pipe from the water heater, but then turns into a hot water supply pipe. The connection is made with a special fitting that’s installed in a wall near the kitchen sink. The special fitting ends in a hot water pipe that runs to the kitchen sink.The wall-basement and wall connection is a very reliable connection. It’s also fairly easy to repair if there’s a problem. But like the kitchen sink connection, it doesn’t offer much flexibility. If you ever decide to move the water heater or expand the water supply, you may need to replace the water heater.

Conclusion

The different types of hot water connections are fairly straightforward. They all work the same way, regardless of where they’re installed in your home. The only difference is the location of the connection itself. If you have a home with a finished basement, it’s likely you have a kitchen sink connection. If you have a home with a first-floor kitchen, a kitchen sink or wall connection may be your best bet.Whatever connection you choose, remember to plan carefully before purchasing a water heater. Water heaters come in all sizes and shapes, and it’s important to find one that’s the right size for your home and your family’s needs. There are many benefits to owning a water heater, but it’s important to make sure you’re making the right choice.