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How do I know if my water heater thermostat is bad?
If you turn the hot water tap and cold water runs out, then the upper thermostat is damaged. But if the water is hot that becomes later becomes cold, then you have a damaged lower thermostat.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermostat?
The average thermostat replacement cost is between $100 and $300. Most other repairs are equally affordable. There are two main types: gas and electric. A gas unit works by way of a gas flame while an electric one works using electric elements, or coils.
Do I have to drain my water heater to change the thermostat?
Always disconnect the power or shut off the breaker before doing any work on a water heater. To change thermostats, you will need to remove the access panel and safety cover (do this for both upper and lower access panels on dual element units). Remove the wires from the thermostat.
What happens when a thermostat goes bad on a water heater?
Upper Thermostat Failure – If your upper thermostat (or heating element) is defective, then the water heater will stop heating water entirely. Lower Thermostat Failure – If your lower thermostat (or heating element) is defective, you’ll either notice the hot water is lukewarm or the hot water quickly runs out.
How do I reset my water heater thermostat?
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you’ll find a reset button. It’s usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.
How long should a hot water thermostat last?
It would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you’ll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn’t always a sign that your tank is what’s leaking.
Why does my hot water heater have 2 thermostats?
An electric storage-tank-style water heater has two thermostats because it has two heating elements. The thermostats are designed so only one element is active at a time. The reason only one element is active at a time is because it allows for smaller wire sizes and lower amperage demand when in operation.
Why does a water heater thermostat trip?
One common thermostat problem with electric water heaters occurs when the lower thermostat becomes “stuck” in the ON position and doesn’t cycle the lower element off properly. When this happens, heat builds up in the upper portion of the storage tank, which will eventually trip the reset button.
How do I know if my thermostat or element is bad?
Answer: Check for voltage at the element. If it has voltage the new element isn’t working. If no voltage there is a problem with the thermostat, either it is set too low or not functioning properly.
How do water heater thermostats work?
A thermostat is essentially a temperature-activated switch. When the thermostat senses a water temperature below its set point, it will energize one of the elements in response to this “call for heat.” The back of the thermostat senses the temperature of the outer layer of the tank.
Why is my water heater not getting hot?
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Other simple solutions include an unplugged or faulty power cord for electric water heaters. For gas water heaters, it could be as straightforward as being out of gas.
Why is my hot water not getting hot?
A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power, may have a tripped limit switch, or may have one or more failed heating elements. First, check the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off, then switch it back on.
How do I reset my thermostat?
Reset the Thermostat The method to reset your thermostat will vary depending on the model. Common methods for resetting a thermostat include installing the battery backward for five seconds, pushing a recessed reset button with a pin or paper clip, or shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds.
When should I replace my thermostat?
Signs You Need a New Thermostat Heating or cooling system will not turn off or on. The temperature reading is incorrect. Recent spike in your energy bill. Frequent temperature fluctuations. Thermostat is 10 years old or older.
Are hot water heater thermostats universal?
There are more than 50 brands of residential tank type electric water heaters in the U.S., most thermostats are interchangeable, however, read the product description carefully. If you must replace a thermostat its always a good idea to replace both thermostats at the same time.
What is the life of a hot water heater?
The type of water heater and where you are located: While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located. The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater.
Can water heaters last 20 years?
Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
