7 Steps To Test Water Heater Thermostat

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. But if the water is hot that becomes later becomes cold, then you have a damaged lower thermostat.

However, you will need to know how to test a water heater thermostat to find the faulty unit. As soon as you complete this task, you can fix it. Whether you’re using propane tankless water heater or any other types, the thermostat works great to regulate the temperature. But first, let us sNormally, an electric water heater has three main features. They include a heating element, a thermostat and a switch to prevent the unit from excess heat.

You can use a thermostat to produce heated water to suit different purposes. For instance, the level of heat required for washing might be different from the one needed for showering.  Furthermore, it controls the current that moves to another thermostat or heating element.

An electric heater with a storage tank of at least 30 gallons comes with two heating elements with a thermostat on each of them. The thermostat on top acts as the primary one while having a high limit switch. But the lower one detects any change in the temperature of the water.

Both thermostats (on the same water heater) do not have the same features. They even do not work at the same time.

ee how a thermostat works.

he high limit switch is found on the location as the upper thermostat. It also has a button that stops it from working, especially when the water goes above 170F. To restore it to default settings, press this button.

To set the thermostat on a water heater, you will need to adjust both thermostats to similar temperatures. Alternatively, you can adjust the upper element to a lower temperature thereby allowing the one underneath to activate first.

For water heaters that have smaller tanks (a maximum of 30 gallons), a single thermostat and heating element handle temperature control. But they use a high limit switch like the larger water heaters.