Investigating a Water Heater That Creates Water That Is Too Hot
Posted on: 20 June 2017
If you have a water heater in your home that is not producing enough water, then you likely understand that the appliance may need to be replaced. However, if the opposite is happening in your home and you notice that the appliance is actually releasing water that is way too hot, then you may not be sure exactly what to do.
Investigate the Thermostat Settings
The first thing you should do when discovering that your water is too hot coming from the water heater is to investigate the thermostat. The temperature may simply be set too hot on the appliance. You can and should turn the temperature down. You can find the thermostat in the control panel that sits underneath the metal cover on the side of the water heater. You will need to remove two to four screws first. Lift off the cover and move the insulation to the side. You will see a small dial that is marked with a variety of temperatures. Turn down the temperature on the thermostat.
You may wonder what the water heater temperature should be set to. This really depends on your household, but a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is good for a home with children. If you want your water a bit hotter, then you can opt for a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not wise to increase the temperature above this due to scalding concerns. If your water was already too hot, then it was likely already set above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Replace the Limit Control Switches
When you changed the water heater temperature setting, then you may have noticed two separate gauges sitting above the thermostat. These are the limit control switches for the water heater. They tell the burner or the heating elements when to turn on and off based on the temperature of the water in the tank. One of the gauges monitors how the temperature drops once the element shuts off and the other monitors the rise in the temperature once the element turns on. This helps to keep the water from being too hot or too cold.
When the upper control limit switch stops working, then the heating element may remain on for an extended period of time. This can cause the water in the tank to become extremely hot.
It is fairly easy to replace the switches. They come attached as a pair, so purchase them from your local home or appliance repair store. You will need to turn the electricity off to the water heater and then use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the wires that attach to the limit switch. Push the wires aside and then remove the screws keeping the limit switch in place.
Secure the new limit switch in place with the screws and reattach the wires. When you are done, turn on the electricity to the water heater and test the water after about 30 to 60 minutes to make sure the water is closer to the temperature you desire.
Investigate The Temperature And Pressure Relief Valve
If you noticed some steam coming out of your faucets when you turned your hot water on, then there is a chance that the temperature and pressure relief valve is not working correctly. This issue may occur in addition to another problem or it may happen on its own. Look for a device with a small lever on your water heater. Pull up the lever. If the lever stays up and releases a hiss and a small amount of water, then it may be working correctly.
If the valve lever slips down out of place or if you hear no hiss, then there is a good chance that it is not working correctly. Most temperature and pressure relief valves can be twisted off and replaced fairly easily. For more information or advice, contact a business such as R & B Inc Heating & Air Conditioning.
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