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A broken water heater thermostat is an easy problem to fix. Follow these simple steps for a DIY water heater thermostat repair, and be sure to always turn off the power at the main breakers before you attempt any kind of work that deals with electricity. To avoid any and all risk altogether, get in touch with Terry’s Plumbing today.
If you aren’t comfortable working with live wires or plumbing that contains pressurized water, it is best to contact a professional. Terry’s Plumbing always places your satisfaction above all else. Contact us for all your water heater thermostat issues.
If you are noticing that the water coming out of your faucet isn’t as hot as it once was, suspect a problem with the thermostat. A broken water heater thermostat can cause elevated electricity bills since an inefficient heating mechanism is constantly running. It also decreases the unit’s lifespan, so be sure to check it at the first sign of trouble!
Your water heater has a temperature and pressure release valve. This is a safety mechanism to ensure that the boiler can safely vent built-up gases in case of a system malfunction. Sometimes, sediment will accumulate in the valves over time, causing them to stick or remain closed. This can cause high internal steam pressure, which inevitably leads to an explosion of boiling water and scalding steam. If the valve is stuck open, your water may steadily be getting hotter and hotter as it flows through the system. A professional repairman can help you sort this out.
When you first flip the circuit breaker on before turning on your hot water faucet, the electric current runs through two wires and completes a circuit to the heating mechanism of the water heater. If the thermostat isn’t sensing that it is not hot enough, electricity will not run through those wires, and no heat will be produced.
When you turn on your hot water in the shower and it isn’t hot within a few seconds, this is likely because the thermostat isn’t allowing electricity to run through to the heating mechanism. Since there’s no heat, the water takes longer than normal to reheat.
Before beginning any work, safety is paramount. Turn off the power from your circuit breakers so that no electricity will run through to the heater while you work on it.
Find The Faulty Thermostat
Start by removing the thermostat cover and setting it aside. Begin the repair process by locating both the upper and lower thermostats on your water heater. Once found, check both thermostats to determine which one may be faulty. Try pressing the reset button on the faulty thermostat to see if this simple fix will restore function.
Replace The Faulty Thermostat
Next, carefully unscrew or unclip the wires from the thermostat, taking care not to pull them by their thin wire coating. If you can’t detach them with your fingers, use a thin pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers.
Take this faulty thermostat to a hardware store, home center, or plumber’s wholesaler where you can find various models of water heater thermostats designed to fit your exact unit. Install the new thermostat exactly as you removed the faulty one by screwing it into place with your fingers or appropriate wrenches and pliers. Finally, attach the wires to the thermostat in the same position where you detached them initially, ensuring they’re attached tightly so electricity can complete a circuit through the system when you restore power.
After you’ve tested the new thermostat and confirmed it’s working properly, you can turn your power back on at the breakers. Once the water heater has finished heating up, run a little bit of hot water from a tap to help recalibrate the thermostat. Check hot water throughout your home to ensure the repair was successful. If you’ve followed these steps correctly, your hot water should be restored to its previous functionality.
While these DIY steps can help with simple thermostat issues, water heater problems can be complex and dangerous. At Terry’s Plumbing, our experienced technicians have the expertise to diagnose and fix any water heater issue quickly and safely.
Whether you need a simple thermostat replacement, a complete water heater installation, or emergency repair service, Terry’s Plumbing is here to help.
Call Terry’s Plumbing today to schedule your water heater service and get your hot water flowing again!
