How to Change the Temperature on Your Hot Water Heater

The average water heater settings for residential apartments is recommended by the manufacturers to stay at 49 C (120 F)

However, you can reset the temperature without calling professionals whether its electric or gas heaters. But remember, that the thermostat of the water heater runs at factory set temperatures and should only be changed when youre not satisfied with the heat and not for experimentation purpose. Secondly, before adjusting the temperature of your water heater, you should make sure that the fault is not from the heating element or insulation and you can only determine that by calling a plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh for evaluation.

Nevertheless, to get started in adjusting the temperature, you need the following tools:

• Gloves
• A flashlight
• And screwdriver

Your first consideration should be safety while adjusting the thermostat temperatures. Therefore, you need to shut off the power source through the circuit breaker of the water heater.

Step one adjusting the thermostat in an electric water heater

Use the screwdriver to remove the thermostat element covers at the top and bottom of the water heater. In most water heaters, youd see insulation that is not screwed, carefully remove it.

Step two adjust the thermostats

Adjust the thermostat to 120 (C) degrees with your screwdriver, insert the insulation and close the element covers using the screws. Note that the adjustment should be done for both top and bottom thermostats and make sure they are the same

You should only increase the adjustment if youre not still comfortable with the temperature or you frequently need hot water in your home.

Step three changing the temperature of a gas water heater

Increasing the temperature of the gas water heater is easier when compared to the electric water heater. The gas water heater only has a single knob which controls the heat in the unit. To increase the temperature, all you need to do is to turn the knob towards the anticlockwise direction.

The dial-up of most gas water heaters are not numbered, so people are usually confused when they need to adjust it. The way out of this is to check out the temperature of the water after your adjustment; if its good, you can use a rag to clean the external part of the heater. In case youre not satisfied with the temperature, then increase it further (counterclockwise)

Note that higher temperature of the water heater can increase your risk of having burns, so you need to check the temperature hours after following the above-recommended thermostat adjustment for both electric and gas water heaters.

If your water is still not hot enough, then a professional from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh should be called to evaluate your unit.

Advantages of having hotter-water

After every hot shower (mostly during the cold seasons) most people feel more energetic, and it feels good when to soak in the tub that is filled with warmer water. More so, you will always have hot water whenever the need arises.

In the health aspect, doing the dishes with hotter water helps to eradicate bacteria to make every member of your family stay healthy.