Water Heaters & Parts Buying Guide

Water heaters support everyday tasks such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry, so choosing the right equipment involves more than matching a product to a space. The catalog includes complete water-heating systems and parts for repairs, upgrades, and installation projects within the Rough Plumbing category.

Before selecting an item, confirm the system type, available utilities, connection requirements, and the needs of the household or application. For related plumbing supplies, browse Pipes, Pipe Fittings & Accessories and other Rough Plumbing categories.

How to choose a water heater

Start by identifying whether the replacement must use electricity, natural gas, propane, or another specified energy source. The home’s existing connections and ventilation setup can limit which options are suitable. If replacing an existing unit, record its dimensions, connection locations, fuel type, and installation requirements before comparing alternatives.

Capacity and demand also matter. A storage-tank system holds heated water for later use, while a tankless design heats water as it passes through the unit. A point-of-use model may suit a specific fixture or remote location, but its requirements differ from those of a whole-home system. Match the heater’s intended application to the expected flow and simultaneous demand rather than relying on physical size alone.

Main water heater types

• Storage-tank heaters: A familiar choice for central hot-water storage. Compare tank capacity, fuel source, dimensions, connection placement, and required installation clearances.
• Tankless heaters: Compact systems that heat water on demand. Review flow specifications, electrical or gas requirements, venting, and minimum activation conditions.
• Electric heaters: Options that use an electrical supply rather than combustion fuel. Check voltage, amperage, circuit requirements, and whether the installation location supports those specifications.
• Gas heaters: These require careful attention to fuel compatibility, venting, combustion air, and applicable installation rules. Gas connections should be handled according to local requirements.
• Point-of-use and specialty heaters: Designed for a particular sink, bathroom, outbuilding, recreational application, or other limited use. Confirm the intended environment and water connections before purchase.

The catalog includes products from brands such as Rheem, CAMPLUX ENJOY OUTDOOR LIFE, EcoSmart, Camco, Rinnai, GASLAND, Eccotemp, Stiebel Eltron, Eastman, MAREY, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Reliance Water Heater. Their presence in the catalog gives shoppers more specifications to compare across different water-heating approaches.

Parts and specifications to compare

For replacement parts, compatibility is the priority. Compare the component’s purpose, connection type, dimensions, material, thread or fitting configuration, and the water heater models or systems it is intended to support. A part that looks similar may still differ in size, electrical characteristics, or connection design.

Important specifications can include:

• Fuel or power requirements, including voltage and electrical load
• Water inlet and outlet size and location
• Gas connection details and venting requirements
• Flow rate, operating range, and activation requirements for tankless units
• Tank capacity and physical dimensions for storage systems
• Included accessories, adapters, mounting hardware, or control components
• Installation orientation, indoor or outdoor suitability, and clearance needs

For electrical, gas, or venting components, verify the specifications against the existing installation and local code requirements. When a repair involves gas, combustion, high voltage, or pressurized water, qualified professional installation may be appropriate.

Installation and maintenance considerations

Measure the installation area before ordering, including height, width, depth, access space, and the route for water, electrical, gas, or vent connections. Check whether the product requires a dedicated circuit, a particular vent configuration, a drain connection, or additional accessories.

Replacement work may also involve shutoff valves, supply lines, fittings, connectors, temperature-and-pressure relief components, insulation, or drain equipment. Related options can be found in Faucet Parts, Water Pumps, Parts & Accessories, and Toilet Parts when a broader plumbing project includes other fixtures.

Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Keep service access clear, inspect visible connections for leaks, and address unusual operation promptly. Never bypass safety controls or use a component outside its specified application.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a tank or tankless water heater?

A tank system stores heated water, while a tankless system heats water on demand. Compare available space, fuel or electrical supply, expected demand, flow requirements, and installation conditions.

How do I find the right replacement part?

Use the original unit’s brand, model information, part description, dimensions, connection details, and electrical or operating specifications. Compatibility information is more reliable than appearance alone.

Can I replace a gas water heater myself?

Gas installation involves fuel connections, combustion, and venting, so local rules and manufacturer instructions must be followed. Professional installation may be appropriate for this type of work.

What should I measure before buying a water heater?

Measure the available space and note the existing unit’s dimensions, connection locations, fuel type, voltage or gas requirements, vent arrangement, and access clearances.

Are water heater parts interchangeable between brands?

Not necessarily. Components can vary by model, size, connection, electrical rating, and system design. Confirm compatibility with the specific heater before ordering.

What other plumbing categories may help with an installation?

Depending on the project, you may also need Drain Cleaning Equipment or Garbage Disposals & Parts. Review each item’s specifications and intended use before combining components.