Change Water Heater Thermostat

Gas water heaters use a different type of thermostat system.

Change water heater thermostat. If the thermostat stops working the element either won t come on at all and the water is cold or the element stays on too long and the water is scalding. This diy repair guide explains how to replace the thermostat in an electric water heater. You may need to repair your electric hot water heater. You know when your shower spits ice cubes instead of hot water that it s time to replace the thermostat for your water heater.

Once the power is off remove the cover for the full access to the thermostat. Use the screwdriver and rotate the adjustment dial clockwise to the desired temperature. There are some variances in thermostats between single element water heaters and dual element water heaters. Before you change the temperature on the water heater thermostat make sure that the electrical supply to the unit is turned off.

If the water isn t heating up the culprit could also be the thermostat. No all water heater thermostats are not universal. Bring the cover back and turn the power on. I think we can all agree that waking up to take a shower in the middle of winter only to find out that all the water is cold is not the best thing to happen to anyone.

Continue to check the upper heating element for voltage it may take quite a while and the water may have to quite cold but it should come on eventually. Instead you get only cold water. The thermostat turns the heating element on and off to maintain the water temperature. Also in dual element water heaters there is a difference in the upper and lower thermostats.

If you suspect a heating element has also gone bad see how to replace a water heater element. 1 turn off the circuit breaker to the water heater. Replace the safety cover s and access panel s. Most manufacturers recommend changing the lower thermostat setting while leaving the upper thermostat at the factory setting.

You step into the shower and turn on the hot water faucet all set for a nice hot shower. Restore power and allow the water heater to work for one hour before testing the hot water. How to replace an electric water heater thermostat. When shopping for a water heater thermostat you need to know how many elements the water.