How to Adjust Water-Heater Temperature

Once you and the rest of your household have agreed on what temperature is "just right," the next step is convincing your water heater to stay there. This may simply require an easy thermostat adjustment, or you may need to call in a professional for repair or replacement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Hose

Water too hot or too cold

1. Adjust the thermostat incrementally until you've achieved the desired temperature.

2. If you are unable to adjust the temperature, the thermostat is faulty. Have a plumber replace it.

Insufficient hot water

3. Adjust the thermostat incrementally until you've achieved the desired temperature.

4. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Open the valve until the water runs clear to flush sediment from the bottom of the tank every year.

5. Run hot water from a faucet first thing in the morning to activate the heater and bring the water back up to its set temperature before showering.

6. Have a plumber replace a too-small water heater or add a superinsulated hot-water storage tank.

Tips & Warnings

• For efficient operation, dishwashers typically require water that's at least 120°F (49°C), or at the Hot setting on water heaters that don't display degrees.
• If steam or boiling water is coming from a valve, immediately shut off the power (for an electric heater) or the gas line (for a gas unit). Then call for professional help.

[joetheplumber]

on 2/19/2008 What ever temperature you decide on,make sure you adjust the thermostats(upper & lower)the same temperature (degrees)on your home water heater.

[joetheplumber]

on 2/16/2008 It requires 180 degrees to kill all bacterial.You couldn't get your home water heater to go that high without blowing your relief valve.The commercial dish washers has booter heaters build on them and therefore can get to 180 degrees and above.The health department requires that in order to kill all germs. in restaurants.