It is very important that the water temperature in your home is not too high or too low.If you are careful, adjusting a hot water heater is easy.Shut off the power to the water heater for your own safety.Remove the access panel from the side of the unit and use a flat-blade screwdriver to raise or lower the temperature according to the ranges listed on the dial.Before hopping in the shower, make sure to test your water temperature.
Step 1: Do you think your water temperature needs to be adjusted?
Most manufacturers recommend that the water in your home stay at 120 F.When the water heaters are installed, they will be set to this temperature.It is best to leave it alone in most cases.Poor insulation or a broken heating element may be the cause of your water being cold.A qualified plumbing professional can diagnose and fix a faulty water heater.
Step 2: You can change the temperature by twisting the dial.
There is a single knob that controls the amount of heat being directed to the unit.The water will be hotter if this knob is turned to the left.To cool it down, turn it to the right.The lower temperature range on the majority of gas water heaters is between 90 and 120 F.Finding the perfect temperature can be difficult if the dial on your gas water heater isn't numbered.One simple way around this is to take the temperature of the water a few times after altering your settings, then tag the exact degree reading or mark it on the dial itself.
Step 3: The warmer the temperature, the better the water for bathing and cleaning.
You can have hotter water in your home.Since you won't have to worry about running out of hot water, it can make a shower or soak in the tub more luxurious.It will help get dirty items cleaner by giving appliances that don't use water a boost.It's better to use hot temperatures to eliminate most common bacteria, like E. coli and staphylococcus.The temperature of your water heater should not be higher than 120 F.There is a serious risk of burns for children and the elderly.
Step 4: You can lower the temperature to save money.
It's expensive to heat large quantities of water.If you want to save money on your next heating bill, consider lowering the temperature of your water heating system.Change can save you a lot over the course of a few months.It is important to keep in mind that your water won't get as hot, which may affect your comfort or the level of Sanitation for cleaning projects.
Step 5: The power to the water heater should be turned off.
You can find the switch for the water heat by going to your home's central circuit breaker.The switch should be flipped to the off position.This will allow you to open the unit without fear of being zapped.Double checking that the power is off before making any changes to your water heat.It is possible to use a multimeter to test for a live current if the breaker isn't labelled.You are looking for a reading.Don't forget to tag the correct breaker when you're done.
Step 6: The side of the unit has an access panel.
Use a flat-blade screwdriver to loosen the screws at the top and bottom of the panel.Remove the panel from the unit and put it away.The screws should not be lost.There is a plastic cover underneath the metal access panel.This will come away easily with a gentle tug.
Step 7: Pull the insulation out of the thermostat.
There is a thicker layer of insulation inside the water heater.You can lift it out if it is a single piece made from styrofoam or similar material.To clear a path to the thermostat controls, move fiberglass insulation by hand.It is possible to reduce heat loss and ensure more accurate readings with the use of insulation inside a water heater.
Step 8: The screwdriver can be used to raise or lower the temperature.
The temperature ranges will be displayed at the bottom of the thermostat.To change the temperature, insert the tip of the screwdriver into the colored adjusting screw.If you twist it to the left, it will decrease the temperature.The indicator hands on the adjusting screws tell you how hot the current setting is.If you pay attention to where the hand rests, you will be able to adjust your water temperature more precisely.If you use dual heating elements, make sure that both thermostats are set to the same temperature so that one doesn't have to do more work than the other.
Step 9: The access panel needs to be replaced.
If you like the new temperature setting, put everything back where you found it.Make sure the insulation is completely covering the internal thermostat, then fit both protective covers back into place and tighten the screws to secure them.
Step 10: The power to the water heater needs to be restored.
The switch for the water heater should be on when you return to your main breaker house.Don't make any changes after the electricity is once again live.It may take up to an hour for your running water to reach its maximum temperature after your unit is shut off.
Step 11: The glass should be filled with hot water.
Allow the water to run for a full minute after turning on the tap.When it is as hot as it can get, hold a drinking glass or similar container under the stream until you catch a few inches.If you want to get the most accurate reading, use a container that has been kept at room temperature.
Step 12: The cooking temperature should be inserted into the hot water.
As soon as you fill the container, put your thermometer on stand-by.Wait 30-60 seconds for the probe to gauge the temperature, then make sure it's fully submerged.For reference, write down the number.It can help you figure out the ideal temperature range for your home, or point to potential heating issues outside of the unit itself.The water may have a chance to cool down if you don't put the temperature in the water right away.
Step 13: Determine if the water is hot enough.
If the temperature is at or around 120 F, you can rest assured that your water heater is performing up to snuff.It might need to be bumped up a few degrees if it's lower than that.It will be too hot for most homes.You can increase your water temperature by 10 degrees.
Step 14: Retesting the water temperature takes 3 hours.
It will take a little while for your water heater to catch up to the new temperature setting, so be patient while it reaches the desired warmth.Don't run a bath or operate any appliances if the water is hotter than you intended.Before everyone starts their daily routine, take care of any necessary adjustments.