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Think of your water heater like the heart of your home’s hot-water system — accessories are the arteries and valves that keep it healthy and performing. A tiny part like a heating element or an anode rod can mean the difference between years of trouble-free hot showers and sudden cold surprises. Investing in the right accessories boosts efficiency, extends lifespan, and often saves money on energy bills. Plus, swapping out a corroded part is usually far cheaper than replacing the entire tank.
Whether you’re dealing with an electric tank-style heater, a gas model, or a hybrid system, there are a handful of accessories that consistently deliver value. These include replacement heating elements, sacrificial anode rods, temperature & pressure relief valves, insulation blankets, expansion tanks, dielectric unions, and improved thermostats. Each plays a specific role — some protect the tank from corrosion, others prevent dangerous pressure build-up, and a few simply keep heat from leaking out.
Heating elements are the obvious first stop when your electric water heater stops producing enough hot water. You’ll find generic replacements and branded OEM options; one specific OEM example available at major retailers is the Star 2n-209193 element (a metal 700W, 120V genuine replacement listed at Walmart). While wattage and voltage vary by model, always match the element’s specifications to your heater’s rating. Choosing the correct wattage influences recovery rate and efficiency — too low and you’ll wait forever, too high and you risk tripping breakers.
Anode rods are often overlooked, yet they’re one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent corrosion. These rods, usually made of magnesium or aluminum with a steel core, attract corrosive elements so the tank itself doesn’t. Most tanks accept rods ranging from about 18 inches to 48 inches in length, depending on capacity — check your model’s manual. Replacing an anode every few years can add many years to the life of a water heater, making it feel like buying time in roll-up sleeves.
A T&P relief valve is a critical safety device that prevents pressure or temperature from rising to dangerous levels inside the tank. If you hear a hissing or dripping sound periodically, it could mean the valve is doing its job or that it needs replacing. These come in standard sizes that fit most US tanks, but always confirm the fitting size in inches and the pressure rating in psi when shopping.
Insulation blankets are a cheap, easy way to reduce standby heat loss on older tanks; think of them as a cozy sweater for your heater. Paired with a programmable thermostat or a high-accuracy replacement thermostat, you can cut energy waste and fine-tune hot-water availability. Thermostats let you set maximum temperatures in Fahrenheit and help avoid scalding while trimming energy costs.
If you’re wondering where to start shopping, the US market offers a range of options from big-box stores to specialty suppliers and online marketplaces. Each retailer tends to have strengths: convenience, price, OEM stock, or expert help. Below I break down where to look depending on what you need.
Walmart carries a surprising selection of water heater parts and accessories, including OEM replacement parts like the Star 2n-209193 heating element referenced above. If you value convenience and competitive prices, Walmart is a good place to check inventory and compare basic accessory options. They’re especially handy for standard, off-the-shelf items like heating elements, basic anode rods, and insulation blankets.
Home Depot is a go-to for both DIYers and professionals, offering a broad range of water heater accessories from major brands. You’ll find everything from pressure-relief valves and expansion tanks to specialty fittings and dielectric unions. The staff at many locations can help match parts to your heater model, and in-store pickup is often available the same day.
Lowe’s mirrors Home Depot in many ways, with robust stock of thermostats, drain valves, anode rods, and replacement elements. Learnings from their installation services can help when a simple part swap becomes a job for a plumber. Lowe’s also lists compatibility information online that simplifies picking the right accessory for your tank’s capacity in gallons and connection sizes in inches.
Online marketplaces like Amazon are unbeatable for variety and user reviews. Whether you’re searching for a niche heating element, a specific OEM part number, or an aftermarket upgrade, Amazon often has options shipped quickly to your door. Reviews and Q&A sections can be invaluable when trying to determine whether a part will fit your particular heater model.
Ace Hardware and Menards are excellent regional options with hands-on staff and good availability of commonly replaced items. For industrial or less common residential models, suppliers like Grainger or plumbing specialty stores carry professional-grade parts, including higher-pressure valves and large-capacity expansion tanks measured in gallons, which are often needed for more complex systems.
Choosing the right accessory is part matching specs and part understanding how your system operates. Here’s a quick checklist to guide the shopping trip: confirm model number and tank capacity in gallons, measure access ports in inches, check voltage and wattage for electric elements, note pressure ratings in psi for valves, and determine whether you prefer OEM or aftermarket parts. Bringing a photo of the old part to the store or supplier makes life a lot easier.
It’s tempting to buy a part that looks the same, but the numbers matter. A heating element may fit physically yet have different wattage or calrod length. A pressure relief valve needs the right psi rating. Always confirm electrical specs like 120V or 240V and mechanical sizes in inches to avoid compatibility headaches.
OEM parts are typically designed to the original manufacturer’s tolerances and can offer peace of mind for fit and performance. Aftermarket parts often cost less and may offer enhanced features like tougher materials or longer warranties, but quality varies. If your water heater is still under manufacturer warranty, using OEM parts can be important.
There’s a lot you can tackle yourself if you’re comfortable with basic tools: swapping an anode rod, replacing a drain valve, or installing an insulation blanket are usually straightforward projects. Replacing heating elements on electric heaters is doable for confident DIYers who turn off power at the breaker and drain some water first. Anything involving gas lines, major plumbing modifications, or high-pressure systems? Call a licensed plumber — safety and code compliance matter.
A few basic tools — an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, a garden hose, and a voltmeter for electric models — will cover many jobs. Always shut off power in the breaker panel for electric heaters and shut off the gas supply for gas models before doing work. Drain a few gallons of water to lower pressure when removing water-facing parts, and wear gloves and eye protection to stay safe.
If the job requires soldering, cutting pipe, modifying gas lines, or working on high-pressure plumbing, professional help is the right move. Licensed plumbers ensure the job meets local codes and will typically test your system after work to confirm there are no leaks or hazards.
Maintenance is the unsung hero of longevity. Flushing your tank annually helps remove sediment that wears down heating elements and reduces efficiency. Inspecting the anode rod every 2 to 3 years and replacing it when it’s significantly corroded prevents tank rust. Check T&P valves periodically for proper operation, and keep an eye on the thermostat setting — 120°F is a common recommendation to prevent scalding while saving energy.
Do a quick check every season: look for leaks, test the pressure relief valve by lifting its lever, and make sure insulation is intact. Small upgrades, like a new programmable thermostat or a better insulating blanket, are inexpensive ways to lower energy use and extend service life. Think of these as preventive tune-ups that repay you in fewer emergency calls and lower utility bills.
If going green is on your to-do list, several accessories reduce energy use and environmental impact. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators cut hot-water demand, while high-efficiency insulation and smart thermostats reduce wasted heat. Installing an expansion tank sized appropriately in gallons for closed-loop systems can stop frequent pressure relief valve drips, saving water and preventing corrosion-related failures.
Smart thermostats and timers let you lower water temperature during periods of low use, trimming utility costs. Heat traps and pipe insulations are low-cost improvements that keep your system from losing heat during distribution. Over time, the savings from these small measures can offset the cost of upgrades and reduce the need for premature equipment replacement.
One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming all parts are universal. Fitting by appearance alone, ignoring psi or voltage ratings, or buying the cheapest option without checking compatibility often ends in frustration. Another misstep is delaying replacement of sacrificial anode rods or pressure-relief valves; procrastination here usually shortens the tank’s life.
Keep your water heater’s manual or model number handy when shopping. If you’ve misplaced the manual, the manufacturer’s website usually lists compatible parts by model number. When in doubt, consult customer reviews and product Q&A on retailer sites to learn how others matched parts to similar models.
Preparation beats guesswork. Jot down the heater’s model number, tank capacity in gallons, and measurements in inches for fittings. Take a photo of the part you’re replacing and the surrounding area. Online, use filters for voltage, wattage, fitting size, and psi to narrow results. In-store, ask staff to cross-reference part numbers — they can often help identify OEM alternatives faster than you can scroll.
When you compare prices, factor in shipping and potential restocking fees for online orders. Sometimes paying a little more for next-day in-store pickup or local hardware availability can be worth it if you need hot water restored quickly.
Before you hit “add to cart” or hand the part to the cashier, run through this mental checklist: does the part match voltage and wattage (for electric elements), are fitting sizes in inches correct, is the pressure rating acceptable, is it an OEM or reputable aftermarket brand, and do you have the right tools for installation? If the answer is yes to all, you’re ready to buy — and likely to enjoy a smooth install and reliable hot water for years to come.
Water heater accessories may not be glamorous, but they’re essential. Whether you’re replacing a heating element like the Star 2n-209193 listed at major retailers, swapping an anode rod, or upgrading to a smart thermostat and insulation, the right parts keep your system efficient and safe. Shop smart by matching specs in gallons, inches, watts, volts, and psi, and choose reputable retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, Ace Hardware, or specialty suppliers based on the part you need. With a bit of knowledge and the right accessory, you’ll be back to hot showers and lower energy bills in no time.
| Water Heater Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Star 2n-209193 Element Metal 700w 120v 1 Genuine Oem Part | $ 74,54 |
