How Do I Adjust an Electric Hot Water Heater?
Electric hot water heaters use a combination of thermostats and heating elements to maintain the water temperature. When the water in your shower is not as hot as you like or seems to be a bit cooler than you expect, a simple adjustment of the thermostats may be necessary. The ideal water temperature inside a hot water heater is 130 degrees to prevent the growth of bacteria. You should first check the water temperature by running hot water in a glass with a cooking thermometer in the glass. Adjust the thermostats as necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off the circuit breaker to the hot water heater. Although you are not adjusting any of the electrical system you are in contact with exposed wires when making adjustments.
2. Remove the screws connecting the service covers to the side of the hot water heater tank with a Phillips-head screwdriver. There is a cover near the top and one near the bottom. Remove the covers and pull back the insulation that covers the thermostats and heating elements.
3. Look at the dial on the upper thermostat. It is a small screw with a notch pointing to temperature numbers. Turn the screw dial with a flat-head screwdriver to raise or lower the temperature setting. Adjust the lower thermostat to the same temperature as the upper thermostat.
4. Place the insulation back over the thermostats and position the covers back into place. Secure the covers with the screws and turn on the circuit breaker to the hot water heater.
Tags: water heater, water temperature, Adjust Electric, Adjust Electric Water, breaker water