A storage water heater, also known as a tank water heater, is a type of water heater that uses a tank to store and heat a set amount of water. The tank is typically insulated to help keep the water hot until it is needed. When hot water is used, cold water is fed into the tank and is heated by a heating element or burner located at the bottom of the tank. As the water is heated, it rises to the top of the tank, ready to be used when a hot water tap is turned on. Storage water heaters come in various sizes and capacities, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. The size of the tank needed will depend on the household's hot water usage needs. A larger tank will be needed for households with higher hot water usage.