What temperature should I set my hot water heater?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire’s disease.

Why does my hot water heater need to run all the time?

To make up for the loss of hot water, your tank would need to run more frequently to keep the same level of hot water as before. If your water heater is constantly running the first thing you should do is check the unit and the pipes immediately around it for leaks.

What to do if your hot water heater is sputtering?

If you suspect the water heater is the issue, look for the signs such as sputtering from the hot faucet only. However, if the cold feed is showing signs too, the problem is likely in your whole system. Turning on all faucets can help to remove air pockets. Although, if the issue is in your tank, we suggest purging the air out of the system.

How does hot water come out of a water tank?

Simply attach any garden hose to the spigot (faucet) on the tank and open the valve. Hot water will pour out from the bottom of the tank because it has nowhere else to go. The incoming cold water will force out the hot water. The incoming cold water is discharged at the bottom of the tank through the dip tube.

What should the temp of my hot water heater be?

Water heaters have dial indicators that allow you to control the temperature of the hot water. This is usually set between 90- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit, but this could be too high for some homes. Check the thermostat and adjust lower if necessary.

What should I do if my hot water heater is not running?

Most likely, the water heater will be running and should shut off if you turn the thermostat down. If it doesn’t, the thermostat will need to be replaced. Make sure that the thermostat is flush against the tank. If the thermostat is not flush, it will not get an accurate temperature reading and will keep the water tank heating.

How can I tell if my hot water heater is too hot?

Temperature Pressure Relief Valve. Hot water heaters are designed with a temperature pressure relief valve. It will relieve pressure and drain water if the water temperature becomes too hot. Testing the temperature pressure relief valve is a quick process. Locate the valve on the side of the water heater.

Why is water coming out of my water heater?

If there is too much pressure in the tank, or the water becomes too hot, this valve will drain some of the water out of the tank. If this T/P valve is the source of your leak, you will most likely be able to see water running down the side of your tank from the valve.

Can a hot water heater make your tap water too hot?

For safety’s sake, your tap water should never be hotter than 120 degrees. But that’s what can happen if your water heater has a shorted heating element or a broken thermostat. A thermostat that’s stuck in the “on” position will cause the heating element to stay on constantly, overheating the water in the tank.