Table of Contents
How does a thermostat on a water heater work?
The thermostat is a thermistor that responds to heat by producing a small electric current. The current increases when water temperature increases, and drops when temperature drops. Changes in the electric current cause gas control to turn ON and OFF. When gas control turns ON, it releases gas to burner.
Do electric water heaters have temperature control?
Most electric water heaters will have two thermostats, one upper and one lower, under the two control panels. For your water heater to work most effectively and efficiently, the two thermostats must be set at the same temperature.
Can a thermostat go bad on a hot 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.
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater’s system, your reset button’s thermometer can trip (regardless of the water’s temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
Where is the thermostat on a gas water heater?
Gas water heaters use a different type of thermostat system. On most gas water heaters, the gas control valve, which includes both a thermostat and a heat limiting device, are located on the outside of the unit, near the bottom. It can be identified as the component with the controls for temperature and the pilot light.
Where is the control valve on a gas water heater?
If you suspect a heating element has also gone bad, see How To Replace A Water Heater Element. Gas water heaters use a different type of thermostat system. On most gas water heaters, the gas control valve, which includes both a thermostat and a heat limiting device, are located on the outside of the unit, near the bottom.
How many thermostats does an electric water heater have?
When you check your electric water heater, you will notice two thermostats on the unit-one at the top, and one at the bottom. Each of these devices controls two different heating elements.
How do I know if my water heater thermostat is bad?
When you check your electric water heater, you will notice two thermostats on the unit-one at the top, and one at the bottom. Each of these devices controls two different heating elements. If you turn the hot water tap and cold water runs out, then the upper thermostat is damaged.