A faulty water heater thermostat is a simple issue to resolve. For a DIY guide on how to repair hot water heater thermostat, continue reading, and remember to always cut off the power at the main breakers before doing any electrical work.
It’s recommended to hire a professional if you’re not comfortable working with live wires or plumbing that holds pressurized water. Autry Plumbing prioritizes your satisfaction at all times. For all of your water heater thermostat problems, contact us.
Repair Your Hot Water Heater Thermostat
If you notice that the water coming out of your faucet isn’t as hot as it used to be, you may have a thermostat problem. Because an ineffective heating mechanism is always running, a faulty water heater thermostat can result in higher electricity expenses. It also reduces the unit’s lifespan, so make sure to check it as soon as you notice a problem!
- Your water is very hot.
A temperature and pressure release valve is located on your water heater. This is a safety feature that ensures the boiler can safely expel any trapped gases in the event of a system failure. Over time, sediment can build up in the valves, causing them to stick or remain closed. This can result in high internal steam pressure, which will inevitably result in boiling water and a scorching steam explosion. Your water may be increasing hotter and hotter as it travels through the system if the valve is jammed open. A competent repairman can assist you in resolving this issue.
- There is insufficient hot water.
The electric current passes through two wires and completes a circuit to the water heater’s heating mechanism when you first turn on the circuit breaker before turning on the hot water faucet. If the thermostat does not detect that the temperature is too low, electricity will not flow through those wires, and no heat will be produced.
- It Takes Too Long for Water to Reheat
When you turn on the hot water in the shower, and it doesn’t get hot within a few seconds, it’s probably because the thermostat isn’t allowing energy to reach the heating mechanism. Because there is no heat, the water takes longer to warm than usual.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Main breakers should be turned off.
- Remove and set aside the thermostat cover.
- Remove the wires from the thermostat by unscrewing or unclipping them, being careful not to pull them by their thin wire coating. Use a thin pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers if you can’t extract them with your fingers.
Turn off the power from your circuit breakers so that no energy will pass through to the heater while you work on it.
1. Locate the thermostats on both the upper and lower levels.
2. Make sure they have power.
3. To test whether the defective thermostat will operate, press the button to reset it.
4. If the upper system isn’t working, replace the thermostat.
5. If your top system is powered, but you still don’t have hot water, the upper heating element should be replaced.
Replace the Thermostat That Isn’t Working
1. Remove the faulty thermostat with your hands or pliers if necessary.
2. Take this broken thermostat to a hardware store, a home center, or a plumbing supply house. You can find numerous models of water heater thermostats at these sources that are designed to match your specific device.
3. Screw the new thermostat into place with fingers or wrenches/pliers, just as you did with the old one.
4. Replace the wires on the thermostat in the same position as they were removed in Step One. Make sure they’re tightly connected so that when you turn on the power again, electricity can complete a circuit through the system.
Reconnect the Power at Breakers
1. Once you have tested the new thermostat and are sure it is working, switch your electricity back on.
2. Allow a small amount of hot water to stream from a tap once the water heater has finished heating up to re-calibrate the thermostat.
3. Look for hot water all over your house. If you followed the steps correctly, the hot water should have returned to its previous state.
The Steps You Shouldn’t Take
1. Never touch any wiring while the power is turned on. Electricity is dangerous and, if handled improperly, can be fatal.
2. Never combine parts from different water heater thermostats; this can harm your equipment and put you at risk.
3. If your water heater thermostat is damaged and you’re not sure you can fix it yourself, engage a professional with the right tools and experience to do the task safely.
Hazards Can Occur Due to Thermostat Leaks
- You should not attempt to repair a leaky water heater thermostat on your own. A leaking unit can cause a multitude of major safety issues that should only be handled by a certified specialist.
Water leaks from water heaters can damage floors and walls, as well as pose a major risk of electrocution for anyone near the device while it is turned on.
If you smell gas around your water heater, switch off all appliances that are connected to the device. If your faulty water heater thermostat is leaking, call Autry Plumbing right away to get it replaced or repaired.
Autry Plumbing has been the go-to plumbers for 30 years, led by master plumber Albert Autry, who also founded the company. We can assist you with whatever problem you have, from a leaking sink or toilet to complex heating or air conditioning concerns.
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