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Replace the Thermostat

This is a continuation of previous steps. If you started here, please refer to previous steps to ensure you've followed all safety precautions.

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: Verify Thermostat

Since the element was good, you'll need to replace the thermostat.

  • Since the element was good, you'll need to replace the thermostat.

  • Make sure the replacement thermostat exactly matches the original thermostat.

Step 2: Disconnect Wires

<strong>Mark the wires with tape so you’ll know how to put them back on.</strong>
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  • Mark the wires with tape so you’ll know how to put them back on.

  • Disconnect the wires from the bad thermostat.

Step 3: Remove Thermostat

Remove the thermostat from the metal mounting clip.
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  • Remove the thermostat from the metal mounting clip.

  • CAUTION: Metal edges may be sharp. Wear protective gloves.

Step 4: Install New Thermostat

Pull the metal mounting clip.
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  • Pull the metal mounting clip.

  • Install the new thermostat in the metal mounting clip.

Step 5: Verify Thermostat is Installed Correctly

Make sure the new thermostat fits tightly against the tank.

  • Make sure the new thermostat fits tightly against the tank.

  • You should NOT be able to slip a business card between the thermostat and the tank. If you can, bend the thermostat mounting clip until the thermostat fits tightly against the tank.

Step 6: Rewire New Thermostat

Attach the wires following the wiring diagram on the water heater’s label. Make sure all wire connections are tight.
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  • Attach the wires following the wiring diagram on the water heater’s label. Make sure all wire connections are tight.

Step 7: Verify Temperature Settings

Make sure both thermostats are set no higher than 120°F.

  • Make sure both thermostats are set no higher than 120°F.

  • 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 8: Replace Plastic Protector

Replace the plastic protector.
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  • Replace the plastic protector.

Step 9: Replace Insulation

Replace the insulation.
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  • Replace the insulation.

Step 10: Replace the Heating Element Cover

Replace the heating element cover.
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  • Replace the heating element cover.

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

Step 11: Turn Power ON

Turn power to the water heater ON.
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  • Turn power to the water heater ON.

  • It may take up to two hours for the water to heat up.

Step 12: Verify Water Temperature

Check the water temperature after two hours and make sure it is not too hot.

  • Check the water temperature after two hours and make sure it is not too hot.

  • Adjust thermostats if necessary.

Step 13: Plumbing Leak?

If you completed all the steps and still have no hot water, check the home's plumbing pipes for a leak.

  • If you completed all the steps and still have no hot water, check the home's plumbing pipes for a leak.

  • Even a small leak can make it appear that the water heater is not working.

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