Home Menu Close Nav Left Nav Right Arrow Left Arrow Right Literature Symbol Propane Symbol Heat Waves Symbol Phone Symbol Flame Symbol Electricity Symbol New Electric Symbol New Gas Symbol Clipboard Symbol Signature Signature Select Signature Premier
< Back

Adjusting the Temperature

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.


Step 1: Tools and Supplies

Thermometer
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • Thermometer

  • Non-contact circuit tester

  • 1/4" nut driver or Phillip's screwdriver (to remove access panels) and a flat-blade screwdriver (to adjust temperature).

  • Thermostatic mixing valves

Step 2: Before Adjusting the Temperature

<strong>The thermostat(s) on this water heater have been factory set to approximately 120°F to reduce the risk of scald injury. 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.</strong>
  • The thermostat(s) on this water heater have been factory set to approximately 120°F to reduce the risk of scald injury. 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. Install point-of-use Thermostatic Mixing Valves to reduce the risk of scalding.

  • If you increase the water heater’s temperature setting, install Thermostatic Mixing Valve(s) at each point of use to reduce the risk of scalding. Adjust Thermostat Mixing Valves at each point of use to 120°F or lower.

Step 3: Turn Power Off

Locate the water heater's circuit breaker and turn it OFF (or remove the circuit's fuses).
thumbnail1thumbnail2
  • Locate the water heater's circuit breaker and turn it OFF (or remove the circuit's fuses).

  • 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.

Step 4: Open Electrical Junction Box

Open the electrical junction box on top of the water heater.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • Open the electrical junction box on top of the water heater.

Step 5: Check for Electrical Power

Using a non-contact circuit tester, check the power wires to make certain the power is off.
thumbnail1thumbnail2
  • Using a non-contact circuit tester, check the power wires to make certain the power is off.

  • WARNING! Working on an energized circuit can result in severe injury or death from electrical shock. Check wires with a volt meter or circuit tester to make sure power is off.

Step 6: Replace the Junction Box Cover

Replace the cover on the electrical junction box.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • Replace the cover on the electrical junction box.

  • WARNING! Be sure all covers are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock.

Step 7: Remove Heating Element Covers

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 <ins>lower</ins> access cover.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • 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.

Step 8: Move Insulation Out of the Way

Fold away the insulation.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • Fold away the insulation.

Step 9: Adjust Both Thermostats

Set both thermostats to 120°F.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • 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! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding. If you have increased the temperature setting above 120°F, install Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use and set them to 120°F or lower.

  • To avoid a shortage of usable hot water, do not adjust the upper thermostat to a temperature setting that is higher than the lower thermostat's setting.

Step 10: Replace Insulation

Fold the insulation back in place.
thumbnail1thumbnail2
  • Fold the insulation back in place.

Step 11: Replace Heating Element Covers

Replace the heating element covers.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3
  • Replace the heating element covers.

  • WARNING! Be sure covers are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock.

Step 12: Turn Power ON

Turn the  power ON.
thumbnail1thumbnail2
  • Turn the power ON.

Step 13: Let the Water Heat Up

Wait for the water to heat up. It may take several hours for the tank temperature to change.
  • Wait for the water to heat up. It may take several hours for the tank temperature to change.

Step 14: Install a Thermostatic Mixing Valves

Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use.
  • Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use.

  • Adjust Thermostatic Mixing Valves according to manufacturer's instructions.

  • 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.

  • WARNING! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding, but even at 120°F, hot water can scald. Install point-of-use Thermostatic Mixing Valves to reduce the risk of scalding.

Step 15: Check Water Temperature

Check the water temperature at all points of use in your home (for example, bathtub faucet, shower, or lavatory sink).
thumbnail1thumbnail2
  • Check the water temperature at all points of use in your home (for example, bathtub faucet, shower, or lavatory sink).

  • 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.

  • WARNING! Because of the increased risk from scalding, if you set the water heater’s thermostat(s) higher than 120°F, Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use are recommended to reduce the risk of scalding.