Water Heater: Why is my water heater making the water too hot?
First, adjust the thermostat setting to lower the water temperature if the water heater thermostat is set above 130 degrees. The 120-degree setting is standard. If 120-degree water is too hot for you to use, try setting the thermostat at 110 degrees. Next, check the thermostats. The upper and lower thermostats in an electric water heater must fit snug against the tank to properly transfer heat in order for thermostats to detect the water temperature correctly. To check the thermostats, turn off the power to the water heater and remove the thermostat access covers. Check the thermostats' positions and adjust the thermostat brackets if necessary to press the thermostats against the side of the tank.
A thermostat that's stuck in the 'on' position will cause the heating element to stay on constantly, overheating the water in the tank. Or, if the element breaks, it can make contact with metal inside the water heater, creating a short-circuit. In that case, electric current flows through the element to the metal, causing the element to heat constantly. Examine the elements and replace an element if damaged.
Follow the steps in our troubleshooting video to figure out why an electric water heater overheats. Replace a thermostat if it's not regulating water temperature accurately.
In a gas water heater, a broken thermostat won't shut off the burner when the tank water reaches the set temperature. Replace the thermostat if it doesn't cycle the burner on and off to keep the tank water at the set temperature.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WATER HEATER PROBLEM
Replace the water heater thermostat
The thermostat constantly monitors water temperature in the tank. When the water temperature drops beneath the desired setting, the thermostat sends power to the electric heating element or gas burner to begin heating. If the thermostat isn't sending power to the heating element, replace the thermostat. In a gas water heater, replace the gas control assembly that contains the thermostat.
Water heater thermostat
How to replace an electric water heater thermostat
If your electric water heater makes the water too hot or not hot enough, the thermostat could be broken. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace an electric water heater thermostat.
Replace the water heater heating element
The heating element is the heat source inside an electric water heater. It extends directly into the tank, where it radiates heat energy to the water around it. If the heating element is not heating when activated, replace the heating element.
Water heater heating element
How to replace a water heater element
If your electric water heater runs out of hot water quickly, or if the water isn't as hot as it should be, the heating element could be the problem. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to replace a water heater heating element.
Symptoms common to all water heaters
Articles and videos common to all water heaters
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