Ever wonder how your water stays hot for your shower and washing the dishes? The magic lies in a little part: the water heater thermostat. Let’s find out what a water heater thermostat is and how you can check that it functions appropriately to maintain the ideal temperature for your water.
Think of your water heater thermostat as a little supervisor hiding out in your water heater. It regulates how hot the water gets before it reaches your faucet. The thermostat monitors the water temperature and instructs the heating element when it should start and stop heating the water to maintain temperature.
Simply adjust the temperature on the thermoset of your water heater to ensure that your water is neither too hot nor too cold. The ideal temperature for most houses is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This feels comfortable enough for showers and washing dishes but not so hot that it burns your skin. Change the thermostat knob to the right setting using a screwdriver
Occasionally the water heater thermostat fails and does not function properly. If you find that your water is too hot or too cold, or you run out of hot water quickly, it might mean that your thermostat needs aid. Other symptoms are weird sounds coming from the water heater or leaks near it. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to inspect your thermostat.
So, if you suspect that your water heater thermostat is not functioning properly, here are a few steps you can take before calling a plumber. Begin by making sure the thermostat is correctly set. If it isn’t, make it and see if that solves the problem. You can also shut off the thermostat, and then turn it back on, to reset it. If you can’t make these steps work, you may want to get help from an adult.
If you are looking for a way to control your water heater, get yourself a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat may be controlled from a phone or tablet and lets you remotely change the temperature of the water at any time from anywhere in your home. Certain smart thermostats can even learn your behaviors and adjust the temperature to save energy. Discuss with an adult whether a smart thermostat is a good fit for your home.