If your water heater temperature is too high, it can cause burning and scalding. It’s also a good idea to keep your water temperature around 120 degrees so you don’t waste energy. To adjust your water heater temperature, locate the thermostats on the unit. They are usually hidden behind an insulated panel; you must remove the insulation using a screwdriver. How to make adjustments to the water heater temperature

Gas Water Heaters

WARNING: Adjusting your water heater temperature to a higher setting increases the risk of scalding. It’s recommended that children, older people, or those with compromised skin integrity not be exposed to boiling water. If you are unsure of your ability to perform this project safely, we recommend contacting a professional plumber for assistance.

Turn off the power to your water heater by turning off your circuit breaker. If your electric water heater is insulated, locate two rectangular access panels fastened to the tank with 2-4 screws (a screwdriver will be required). Pry open both and remove any insulation covering the thermostats. Once the panels are available, use your screwdriver to adjust the thermostat dials slightly warmer or cooler, depending on your desired setting. Replace the insulation and reattach the access panel, then restore power to your water heater and wait about three to four hours to retest your new temperature setting. If necessary, repeat the process until you have achieved the perfect water temperature for your home.

Electric Water Heaters/How to make adjustments to the water heater temperature

The temperature adjustment process is a little more involved for electric water heaters than for gas units. First, locate the thermostats, usually concealed behind a plastic access panel attached to screws. Remove the board and any insulation if needed. You’ll find two thermostats, upper and lower, each with a dial. The dials read differently depending on the manufacturer, but you can usually turn them to make your hot water warmer or cooler as desired. Once you’ve adjusted the thermostats, replace the panels and insulation. Want more educational plumbing blogs? See you here>> https://emergencyplumbery.com/

We recommend keeping the temperature setting between 120 and 140 degrees. Anything higher poses a risk of bacterial growth and scalding. Before you finish the job, ensure the power is turned off at your circuit breaker. Then, test the water with a thermometer. If it’s too cold, return the thermostats to their original settings. And if the temperature is too high, you can adjust it again.

Installing Thermostats/How to make adjustments to the water heater temperature

Most tank-style electric water heaters have the temperature control dial hidden behind a panel fastened to the unit with 2-4 screws. You can usually access the temperature control dial once you remove these and peel back the insulation.

If you don’t have a digital multimeter, use a regular cooking thermometer to calibrate yours. Place the thermometer in a cup of hot water until it stops reading a higher temperature, then set it to the desired temperature.

Then turn the power off at the breaker and remove the access panel and insulation (remember to label any wires you’re disconnecting so you can reconnect them later). Look for a metal thermostat plate with two notches that correspond to your desired setting and push in or out the plastic disk to rotate it. Once you’ve done this, reinstall the insulation and access panel and restore power to the breaker. Wait about three hours before turning on the water to check your new temperature setting.

Troubleshooting

It’s important to remember that any time you deal with electricity and water, there is inherent risk. This is why it’s always best to call on plumbing professionals when troubleshooting problems.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that residential homes set their water heater temperature to 120 degrees. This ensures that the water is hot enough to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of scalding. Your visitation is very valuable to us; please see more>> https://emergencyplumbery.com/

Changing your water heater temperature can save energy and help lower your energy bills. However, if the process becomes difficult or you experience other issues with your gas water heater, contact your local plumber to schedule an investigation appointment. Leaving any gas water heater problems unresolved is never a good idea.