How to Check Your Water Heater's Temperature Settings

Be Cautious

Even though adjusting the temperature is a relatively easy task, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any risks involved. In fact, it’s a good idea for you to remember that whenever you’re dealing with water or heat, you should be extra cautious. So, if you have a gas water heater, make sure to turn off the gas supply, and if you have an electric one, make sure to turn off the electricity. Also, consider wearing protective garments such as gloves and goggles.

Locate Thermostat

For the next part, you’ll need to locate the thermostat. If yours is an electric water heater, you may look for a metal panel on the tank's side. When you take off this panel, you can access the insulation panel, and most of the time, the thermostat will be behind this. For electric heaters, there are usually two. For gas water heaters, look at the bottom of the tank.

Adjust the Temperature Settings

When you access the thermostat dial, you can use a flat-blade screwdriver to adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature. To raise or lower the temperature, turn clockwise or counterclockwise. But how will you know what the ideal temperature should be? Well, the EPA advises the water heater to be set to 120 degrees because even though it's hot enough to prevent certain pathogens from living inside your water, it’s also not hot enough to cause a burning risk.  

Control Time

Now, it’s time to make sure that new temperature setting is actually working. Turn on the gas source or the electricity and start your water heater. Let the heater work for a while, and after that, turn on the shower and check the water's temperature.

Even though it’s an easy task, sometimes calling in a professional plumber to regulate the inconsistent water temperatures is the best option. Observe the water heater carefully. If you see an obvious leak from the tank, or hear odd noises emanating, or if the problem doesn’t go away even after you adjust the temperature. This might indicate a more serious problem, and water heater repair might be needed. Dealing with water heaters can be dangerous for homeowners, so we don’t advise you to try DIY methods.

Call the Experts

If even after you’ve made adjustments in the settings the problem doesn’t go away, or if other signs accompany the troubles with your water heater, you don’t need to worry because professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are only a phone call away. Your daily lives are interrupted a great deal when you don’t have the right water heat, and our goal is to bring back your water's efficiency, safety, and ideal temperature. Call us today to learn more about the plumbing services we provide.