Electric Hot Water Heater Thermostat Replacement

How to replace an electric water heater thermostat.

Electric hot water heater thermostat replacement. 19 remove the 2 wires on the bottom element. An electric hot water heater has two thermostats controlling two separate heating elements one in the upper half of the tank one in the lower half. Electric water heaters have one or two elements and each is controlled by a thermostat. 20 using the water heater socket remove the bottom element by turning counter clockwise.

Gas water heaters use a different type of thermostat system. A common sign of trouble with any water heater is often a higher utility bill. If the water isn t heating up the culprit could also be the thermostat. Replace the safety cover s and access panel s.

You step into the shower and turn on the hot water faucet all set for a nice hot shower. Reconnect the wires make sure the thermostat is flush against the tank. If you suspect a heating element has also gone bad see how to replace a water heater element. When an upper heating element or thermostat fails the entire water heater stops producing hot water.

You can test them with the power off using an ohmmeter to measure resistance or with the power on using a voltmeter to measure voltage. If the hot water heater is not working one of the thermostats may be bad. Restore power and allow the water heater to work for one hour before testing the hot water. 18 replace the top thermostat and be care to pay attention to the wire locations for me i used the rheem sp11698 electric thermostat.

Instead you get only cold water. If your unit is expending extra energy to provide the same amount of hot water it s time to look for the following symptoms. Reliance electric water heater thermostat universal upper adjustable adjusts from 120 degree to 160 degree 208 thru 480 volt with energy cut off switch interchangeable with non adjustable upper thermostat. If your water heater is leaking it must be replaced immediately.

Leaks are usually the result of pressure buildup inside the tank. You may need to repair your electric hot water heater.