Cold water is less comfortable to use for bathing, washing dishes, or doing other purposes at home. If the water temperature in your home feels cold, you may need to increase the temperature of the water heater. While adjusting the temperature of a gas or electric water heater requires skill and good knowledge of the appliance, the procedure is surprisingly simple. As long as you are careful when handling it, the water temperature can be adjusted quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Adjusting the Temperature of the Gas Powered Water Heater
Step 1. Turn off all sources of ignition before adjusting the temperature of the gas powered water heater
Natural gas is highly flammable. Even if you shouldn't be in direct contact with the gas, it's better to be on guard. Turn off candles, cigarettes, or other sources of ignition in the house when adjusting the temperature of the water heater.
You do not need to turn off the gas when adjusting the temperature of the water heater
Step 2. Look for the valve on the front of the water heater
This is a gas control valve. Usually, this is a black or red knob with two sides: warm and hot. In some cases, these knobs have notches on the sides to indicate available temperature options.
Step 3. Turn the valve from the warm side to the hot side
Do not turn it until the end of the heat setting. First of all, move it towards the heat setting just a little bit. If the water temperature is raised directly to hot, the water may injure your hands. Rotate the setting further if needed.
Step 4. Wait for 3 hours, then check the water temperature
Wait at least 3 hours before checking the water temperature so the engine can preheat it. If it's still too cold or not hot enough, turn the gas control valve again.
Do not raise the temperature more than 50 °C to prevent serious burns
Method 2 of 3: Raising the Temperature of an Electric Water Heater
Step 1. Turn off the water heater directly from the power source
Look for a circuit breaker in your home. Since most water heaters use 240 Volts of power, you must disconnect at least 2 current sources. Check the description on the fuse box for details – if it doesn't, turn off all the fuses in the house.
Never change the temperature of the water heater without turning off the electric current. To avoid the risk of electric shock, consult an electrician if you are unsure whether the current has been cut
Step 2. Remove the heater access panel
The access panel usually looks like a square box in front of the water heater. Water panels are equipped with single or dual access panels. So, pry one or both covers to grab the control area inside.
Most panels do not need to be opened with a screwdriver. Your hand will usually suffice
Step 3. Remove the insulation piece to access the thermostat
You'll find a thin insulating pad between the thermostat and the access panel. Remove the insulation so you can see the thermostat and raise the temperature as needed.
Store the insulating pad in a safe place – it must be re-inserted into the water heater to keep the thermostat temperature accurate
Step 4. Set the thermostat to a higher temperature
Most thermostats can be adjusted using a screwdriver in the center. Place the drinking screwdriver into the screw, then turn it until it shows the desired temperature. Don't raise the temperature more than 50 °C so you don't get hurt.
- The thermostat will show a temperature between 30 °C and 66 °C, but 50 °C is usually the recommended maximum.
- Even if there are 2 panels, there is usually only 1 thermostat. The number of panels has to do with the design of the water heater, but both panels usually provide access to the same 1 thermostat.
Step 5. Close the panel and wait before testing the water
Put the insulation back on the water heater and close the panels. When ready to test the water temperature, turn on the power again. Wait at least 3 hours before checking the water temperature and evaluating it. If the temperature is still too low or the water is not warm enough, adjust the temperature again.
Method 3 of 3: Checking Water Temperature
Step 1. Turn on the hot water for 3-5 minutes
Select the faucet closest to the water heater, then turn on the water for at least 3 minutes. In the first few minutes, the water that comes out of the faucet is water that settles in the pipes. This water must be removed completely before you test the water heater for an accurate test result.
Step 2. Use a candy thermometer or cooking thermometer to test the temperature of the water
Put the water in a bowl or cup and immediately measure the temperature. Leave the thermometer in the water for 20-30 seconds to get an accurate result.
Step 3. Record the temperature
Even if you don't like cold water, water that's too hot is also uncomfortable. If the temperature reaches more than 50 °C, your skin may scald. Look at the following numbers to see the relationship between temperature and duration of exposure that can cause skin blisters:
- 50 °C: 5+ min
- 52-54 °C: 60-120 seconds
- 54-60 °C: 5-30 seconds
- 60-66 °C: 1-5 seconds
- 66-71 °C: 1-1 1/2 sec
- 71 °C and up: Direct
Step 4. Check again after 3 hours, if necessary
If the test results are too low or too high, readjust the water heater as necessary and check the temperature again after 3 hours. Water heaters take time to change their internal temperature and heat or cool the water to match that temperature.
Tips
Call a plumber if the water heater shuts down frequently and has failed too many times. The tool may be damaged
Warning
- Be careful when resetting your water heater. Do not touch or move exposed wires. If you're not sure you can fix it, contact a plumber immediately.
- If your water heater gets wet or flooded, do not touch it. Immediately contact a plumber who can check the damage and the level of danger.
