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how do i adjust the thermostat on my whirlpool water heater

by Jadon Anderson Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How do I adjust the temperature on my whirlpool hot water heater? Set both thermostats to 120°F. If higher temperatures are required turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( >>) to increase the temperature. (Turn the dial counter clockwise ( << ) to decrease the temperature.) Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting.

If higher temperatures are required turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( >>) to increase the temperature. (Turn the dial counter clockwise ( << ) to decrease the temperature.) Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting.

Full Answer

How to set how water heater temperature by thermostat?

Steps to Set Water Heater Temperature

  1. CUT THE POWER – Before you do anything flip the breaker or pull the fuse to turn off the power supply to your water heater, so you don’t ...
  2. LOCATE THE TWO THERMOSTAT COVERS – one at the top and one near the base of the water heater. (In our picture, the two gray doors)
  3. REMOVE THE COVERS – using the phillips-head screwdriver. ...

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How to replace a thermostat on a water heater?

How to Test and Replace a Water Heater Thermostat

  1. Turn Off the Power. Locate the circuit breaker for the water heater in the main panel and switch it off. ...
  2. Access and Check the Upper Thermostat. Unscrew and remove the access cover for the upper thermostat, fold the insulation up and tape it to the tank with electrical ...
  3. Isolate the Thermostat. ...
  4. Calibrate the Meter. ...
  5. Test the Upper Thermostat Terminals. ...

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What temperature should I set for my water heater?

  • How To Check Your Water Heater Temperature
  • Recommended Temperature Settings
  • How To Turn Up Your Water Heater How to Set Temperature on a Gas Water Heater How to Set Temperature on an Electric Water Heater
  • Factors That Affect Water Temperature

Should both thermostats on water heater be set the same?

To ensure that your water heater works properly, you should set both thermostats for the same temperature. The temperature shall be optimal at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have only 4 or 6 thermostats then adjust both equal to 1 watt. The top shouldn’t be much lower than at the bottom.

How do you adjust the temperature on a whirlpool hot water heater?

0:572:34How To Adjust The Temperature On An Electric Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to do the exact same thing lift up the insulation. Turn the dial to 135 degrees. AndMoreWe're going to do the exact same thing lift up the insulation. Turn the dial to 135 degrees. And that's it once you do that you can go ahead and reinstall the panel's.

Where is temperature control Whirlpool water heater?

0:072:07Water Heater Thermostat Location - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd today I'm going to talking about your water heater thermostat locations for this we're going toMoreAnd today I'm going to talking about your water heater thermostat locations for this we're going to be using a flathead screwdriver. Here we have an electric hot water heater electric hot water heater

How do I adjust the thermostat on my hot water heater?

1:163:38How to Set Water Heater Element Temps : Hot Water Heaters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo setting it to the 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most local plumbing codes say that water heaters shouldMoreTo setting it to the 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most local plumbing codes say that water heaters should not be set higher than 120 degrees to avoid the risk of scalding.

Which thermostat on water heater should be set higher?

top thermostatPeel back the insulation. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat up or down. If your water heater has two thermostats, adjust both the same amount. The top thermostat should be a few degrees higher than the bottom.

Should I set my water heater to AB or C?

The Department of Energy recommends setting your heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That should be plenty hot enough for most uses in your home. Now, some water heater temperature controls come with settings that read “A-B-C” as opposed to numbers.

Should the top and bottom water heater thermostats be set to the same temperature?

Setting the top element slightly higher helps the elements to be used evenly. If you set them to the same temperature, the bottom element will be the first one on every time, and frequently the only one used to maintain the temperature.

Why is my hot water getting too hot?

Common causes of water being too hot include a faulty thermostat, stuck pressure relief valve, sediment affecting the heating elements, or a failing heating element.

Is 130 too hot for water heater?

Professionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous.

Does turning up water heater make hot water last longer?

Turning up the water heater temperature makes hot water last longer as the desired temperature is reached by using less hot water and more cold water. The recommended maximum temperature should be 120 °F. Hotter water poses risks to users and the water heater and increases energy bills.

What is the difference between upper and lower thermostat?

The cold water enters the bottom of the tank and the lower thermostat senses a heat change. The lower heating element will heat the incoming cold water. If you use all the hot water in the tank, the upper thermostat will demand heat and withdraw power from the bottom of the tank.

How to increase water temperature on a thermostat?

Set both thermostats to 120°F. If higher temperatures are required turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( >>) to increase the temperature. (Turn the dial counter clockwise ( << ) to decrease the temperature.) Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting.

Where is the thermostat located on a water heater?

Most models have two thermostats, but some models may only have one. If your water heater has only one thermostat, it is located behind the lower access cover. Remove the upper and lower element covers.

What temperature should a water heater be?

You may be surprised to know that while the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends setting your water heater at 120 degrees. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) recommends setting your water heater thermostat at 140 degrees under certain circumstances.

How to increase water temperature on a thermostat?

Set both thermostats to 120°F. If higher temperatures are required turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( >>) to increase the temperature. (Turn the dial counter clockwise ( << ) to decrease the temperature.) Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting. WARNING!

Where is the thermostat located on a water heater?

Most models have two thermostats, but some models may only have one. If your water heater has only one thermostat, it is located behind the lower access cover.

What temperature should a water heater be?

You can set the water heater's thermostat higher than 120°F if you install thermostatic mixing valves at each point of use and set them to 120°F or lower.

What to do before working on a water heater?

WARNING! Before working on the water heater, use a non-contact circuit tester or volt meter to make sure power is off. Working on an energized appliance can cause electrical burns, electrocution or death.

Why do you need to set the temperature for your dishwasher?

You may wish to set a higher temperature to provide hot water for automatic dishwashers or laundry machines, to provide more hot water capacity, and to reduce bacterial growth. WARNING! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding, but even at 120°F, hot water can scald.

What temperature should a thermostatic mixing valve be?

Adjust the Thermostatic Mixing Valves so that water temperature at any fixture is at or below 120°F. If you aren’t sure how to adjust the Thermostatic Mixing Valve settings, or aren’t sure if you have Thermostatic Mixing Valves, contact a qualified person for assistance.

How to adjust water temperature with two thermostats?

Make sure that if you have two thermostats to adjust both to be the same temperature setting. Replace the control panel covers and replace the screws with your screwdriver. Then, turn the power to your water heater back on. Retest your hot water temperature after several hours (about three to four). If your water temperature is still not ...

How many thermostats does an electric water heater have?

The majority of electric water heaters have two thermostats: an upper and a lower, located under two control panels. To ensure your electric water heater works as efficiently as possible, you should set both of the thermostats at the same temperature. Note: some smaller electric hot water heaters only have one thermostat.

How to determine the temperature of a thermometer?

To do so, place your thermometer in a cup of iced water until the temperature dial lowers to 32 degrees, or the lowest degree on your thermometer’s gage.

How long does it take to retest water temperature?

Retest your hot water temperature after several hours (about three to four). If your water temperature is still not at the desired setting, repeat the above steps to readjust until it reaches the correct setting for your needs.

Where is the dial on a gas water heater?

The majority of gas water heaters are simple because they have an easily readable dial located at the bottom of the tank. To adjust this dial is simple and easy if you follow the steps below. First, turn the knob towards being hotter or cooler, depending on what setting is necessary.

Do you have to remove insulation from a heater?

If your heater is insulated, you may need to remove the insulation to access the thermostat. The thermostats will have a dial, and these dials can read differently depending on the manufacturer of the heater. Once you have removed the control panel, adjust the temperature dials to be hotter or cooler based on your temperature needs.

What is a Whirlpool thermostat?

While gas water heater thermostat's were popular in the past, the vast majority are now electrical. Whirlpool is a popular manufacturer of water heaters, sold exclusively at Lowe's.

How to replace thermostat cover?

You can then put the thermostat covering back together. First replace the insulation, then the plastic shield, and finally the access cover.

Why is my Whirlpool water heater not turning off?

This can be annoying in terms of cold water, but downright dangerous if the heater doesn't turn off when it becomes too hot. Other issues with a Whirlpool water heater can be leaks, water pressure issues and drips, but they are unlikely to be the fault of your thermostat.

How many thermostats are there in a water heater?

Once the water is over a certain temperature set by you, the top half of the thermostat turns off the bottom half. There are also two thermostats in a water heater, one on each side.

How to remove thermometer from tank?

If this isn't the case, you'll need to extract your old thermometer. Remove the wires and keep a note of which terminals they went into. Then, using a screwdriver, pry the thermostat away from the tank.

How to check water heater element?

When working with a water heater, you'll first need to ensure the circuit breaker is in the "off" position. Next, find the thermostat, which is near the top of your heater. Remove the screws which hold the access cover on, then take off the access cover.

Do you need to replace thermostat or heater element?

Also check they are properly attached. If not, this may be responsible for your water heater issues and you may not need to replace either your thermostat or heater element.

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