Water Heaters & Accessories

You could be replacing an old unit, planning a remodel, or sourcing products for your next installation, having the right water heater can make all the difference. At DK Hardware, you'll find a wide selection of electric water heaters, gas water heaters, propane water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and tankless water heaters, along with the accessories and replacement parts needed to complete the job.

From compact residential installations to larger commercial projects, we carry dependable products from trusted brands. You'll also find everything from drain pans and expansion tanks to heating elements, burner assemblies, pressure relief valves, and installation hardware, making it easy to order everything you need in one place.

Looking for additional plumbing supplies? Browse our Plumbing collection for valves, fittings, connectors, pumps, and repair parts.

Find the Right Electric, Gas, Propane, Hybrid, and Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing a water heater starts with a few practical considerations: the available fuel source, expected hot water demand, installation space, and long-term operating costs. If you're replacing an existing unit, staying with the same fuel type is often the quickest and most economical choice. For new construction and remodels, comparing different systems can help you find the best fit for the project.

Every installation is different. Before choosing a unit, consider peak hot water usage, available utility connections, and the installation space. Matching the water heater to the property's requirements helps improve performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Choosing the Right Residential Water Heaters

Selecting the right size is just as important as choosing the right fuel type. A unit that's too small may struggle to keep up with peak demand, while one that's oversized can increase energy costs without providing any real benefit.

The table below provides a general starting point when choosing residential water heaters.

Tank capacity is only part of the equation. When comparing models, it's also worth looking at the First Hour Rating (FHR), which measures how much hot water a unit can deliver during periods of high demand. Recovery rate is another important specification, especially in homes where multiple showers, appliances, or fixtures are used back-to-back.

Installation space matters too. Standard tall models work well in basements, utility rooms, and garages with adequate clearance. Lowboy models offer similar capacity in a shorter design, making them a practical choice for crawl spaces, under stairs, or areas with limited headroom. Measuring the available space before ordering can help avoid installation delays.

Why Choose Tankless Hot Water Heaters?

If saving space and having hot water available whenever you need it are priorities, tankless hot water heaters are worth considering. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water only when a fixture is in use. That means you don't have to worry about running out of hot water during busy mornings, and there's no standby energy loss from keeping a tank heated around the clock.

For many remodels, wall-mounted tankless water heaters also free up valuable floor space that would otherwise be occupied by a traditional storage tank.

When comparing models, pay close attention to flow rate rather than tank capacity. Gas-powered units are typically rated in gallons per minute (GPM) and BTU input. Larger models can support multiple bathrooms and appliances running simultaneously, while smaller units are well suited for point-of-use applications or individual bathrooms.

Before purchasing a tankless system, it's important to verify that the existing utilities can support it. Gas models may require a larger gas line than the unit they're replacing, while electric models may need additional electrical capacity. Indoor and outdoor installations also have different venting requirements, so selecting the correct model for the application is essential.

For supplying hot water to a single sink, office breakroom, workshop, or remote fixture, Point-of-Use Water Heaters offer an efficient and space-saving solution.

Water Heater Drain Pans: Choosing the Right Size and Material

A drain pan is a simple addition that helps protect floors and surrounding finishes by directing water away if a tank develops a leak. They're commonly required by building codes when a water heater is installed above a finished living space and are recommended for many residential and commercial installations.

Choosing the correct pan starts with the tank's diameter—not its gallon capacity.

Drain pans are available in several materials to suit different applications.

• Plastic drain pans offer an economical option for residential installations.
• Aluminum drain pans provide excellent corrosion resistance while remaining lightweight.
• Galvanized steel drain pans are often preferred for heavier units and demanding commercial environments.

Many models include a pre-installed PVC drain fitting, making it easier to connect the drain line during installation. If you're replacing an existing pan, check both the diameter and drain connection before ordering to ensure a proper fit.

Water Heater Accessories and Replacement Parts

Even the best water heaters need occasional maintenance. Replacing worn parts as they age can improve performance, extend the life of the unit, and help avoid unexpected downtime. Whether you're servicing electric water heaters, gas water heaters, or tankless water heaters, DK Hardware carries the replacement parts professionals and property owners rely on.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

A temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is one of the most important safety components on a water heater. If pressure or temperature inside the tank rises beyond safe limits, the valve automatically releases excess pressure to help protect the system.

Most residential water heaters use a 3/4-inch relief valve, but it's always best to match the replacement to your existing unit's specifications.

Heating Elements for Electric Water Heaters

Heating elements are one of the most commonly replaced components in electric water heaters. If your unit is producing less hot water than usual or taking longer to recover, a worn heating element may be the cause.

When selecting a replacement, verify the voltage, wattage, and element style to ensure compatibility with your water heater.

Thermopiles, Gas Controls, and Burner Assemblies

For gas water heaters, ignition problems often come down to components such as thermopiles, pilot assemblies, gas controls, or burner assemblies.

Since these parts are typically designed for specific manufacturers and models, checking the model number before ordering helps ensure a proper fit.

Anode Rods

The anode rod helps protect the inside of a tank by attracting corrosion before it reaches the steel tank itself. Replacing a worn anode rod can significantly extend the service life of many residential water heaters and is one of the simplest preventative maintenance tasks.

Installation Accessories

Complete your installation with the accessories that are commonly required for new water heaters or replacements, including:

• Expansion tanks
• Expansion tank brackets and mounting straps
• Flexible water connectors
• Water heater installation kits
• Supply lines
• Compression fittings
• Drain pans

Whether you're completing a single installation or stocking service vehicles, ordering the installation components at the same time helps keep projects moving without unnecessary return trips.

For additional plumbing supplies, browse our Supply Lines & Connectors and Compression Fittings collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right water heater?

Start by considering the available fuel source, the property's peak hot water demand, available installation space, and energy efficiency goals. Whether you're shopping for electric water heaters, gas water heaters, or hybrid water heaters, choosing the right size and configuration is just as important as selecting the fuel type.

What size residential water heater do I need?

Most homes with one or two occupants do well with a 30 to 40-gallon tank, while larger households often require 50 gallons or more. Looking at the First Hour Rating (FHR) can also help determine whether a model can meet your busiest periods of hot water use.

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

For many homes and remodels, yes. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, take up less space than traditional storage tanks, and eliminate standby heat loss. They're an excellent choice for properties with consistent hot water demand or limited installation space.

How long do water heaters typically last?

Most traditional tank-style water heaters last between 8 and 12 years with proper maintenance. Many tankless hot water heaters can last 15 to 20 years or longer when serviced regularly.

Do I need a drain pan?

A drain pan is recommended whenever a water heater is installed where a leak could damage flooring or finished spaces. In many areas, local building codes require one for installations above occupied living areas.

When should I replace the anode rod?

Inspect the anode rod every few years. Replacing it before it's completely consumed helps protect the tank from corrosion and can significantly extend the life of your water heater.

Do I need an expansion tank?

If your plumbing system includes a pressure-reducing valve, check valve, or backflow preventer, an expansion tank is often required to safely accommodate pressure changes caused by heated water. Many newer installations also require one to meet local plumbing codes.

Why Buy Water Heaters & Accessories from DK Hardware?

Whether you're replacing a single unit or sourcing products for multiple properties, DK Hardware makes it easy to find the right products for the job.

• Wide Selection - Shop electric water heaters, gas water heaters, propane water heaters, hybrid water heaters, tankless water heaters, and the accessories needed for installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Trusted Brands - Choose from industry-leading manufacturers known for dependable performance and long-lasting quality.
• Everything in One Place - Complete your order with drain pans, heating elements, pressure relief valves, expansion tanks, supply lines, connectors, mounting hardware, and other essential installation components.
• Volume Pricing for Businesses - Contractors, plumbers, maintenance teams, property managers, and commercial buyers can request volume pricing on qualifying orders.
• Fast Shipping - Orders ship from warehouses across the United States, helping you get the products you need quickly whether you're ordering for a home, job site, or commercial project.

Shop Water Heaters & Accessories at DK Hardware

Whether you're installing a new system, replacing an aging unit, or picking up maintenance parts, DK Hardware has the products to help you get the job done.

Explore our complete selection of electric water heaters, gas water heaters, propane water heaters, hybrid water heaters, tankless hot water heaters, and residential water heaters, along with the accessories needed to complete every installation. From drain pans and heating elements to pressure relief valves, expansion tanks, and replacement parts, you'll find quality products from trusted brands - all backed by competitive pricing and fast nationwide shipping.