Bunny-san
enthusiast
Posts: 103
Loc: Allen
Reg: 06-30-07
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02-05-10 05:25 PM - Post#104794
I want to adjust the temp on my electric hot water heater, but I can't figure out WHERE it is plugged IN so I can disconnect the power supply first. I realize it should be fairly obvious, but it is in an awkward corner and I can't really SEE around the back. Is the plug similar to a clothes dryer plug? One of those big doodads? Is it somehow wired directly INTO the house wiring?
Edited by Bunny-san on 02-06-10 08:49 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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02-06-10 10:13 AM - Post#104821
In response to Bunny-san
You don't need to turn it off to make an adjustment. It will be on a LARGE circuit and the cord and plug will be larger as well.
Take off the metal access panels on top and bottom. There SHOULD be a plastic piece that is there to help keep you out of contact with the live wires. If you are concerned about sticking your fingers in there then use a pair of insulated pliers and turn the adjuster which looks like a little pointer towards the "hotter" side.
If the heater was working fine and has now stopped keeping the water as hot an element or a thermostat may have gone bad. The entire kit to replace both stats and elements is about $25 at Lowes. I have seen more stats go bad then elements which is good because getting an element out can cause a leak in a tank. If you do need to pull an element get the wrench designed just for that.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 02-06-10 12:15 PM. Reason for edit: grammer
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vm7mm
enthusiast
Posts: 1527
Loc: Allen Tx usa
Reg: 08-12-04
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02-06-10 10:35 AM - Post#104822
In response to Bunny-san
http://waterheating.rheem.com/content/resources/do... Most likely, you have to turn off a breaker to kill the power, then adjust.
Edited by vm7mm on 02-06-10 10:37 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Michael
enthusiast
Posts: 2076
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-20-02
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02-06-10 11:48 AM - Post#104825
In response to Brewer
Take off the metal access panels on top and bottom. There SHOULD be a plastic piece that is there to help keep you out of contact with the live wires. If you are concerned about sticking your fingers in there then use a pair of insulated pliers and turn the adjuster which looks like a little pointer towards the "hotter" side.
All the water heaters I have had, have a (plastic) screw driver slot on the thermosat pointer. You can use a standard slot screwdriver, just keep your hands away from the metal part of the screwdriver. With that being said, it is still better and safer to turn off the power....Better safe than sorry!
I have seen more stats go bad then elements which is good because getting an element out can cause a leak in a tank. If you do need to pull an element get the wrench designed just for that.
I've never had a thermostat go bad. I have replaced many elements though. I have never had any trouble with leaking but you do need the wrench. It's cheap and makes the job MUCH eaiser. The only problem I've had with changing elements (other than drainig the tank is a pain!) is there can be a lot of buildup in the bottom of the tank making it difficult to get the bottom element out. If you have this problem, cleanout all of the settlement you can and replace it with a jacketed element. I think it called sand something.
And most of all, DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER UNTIL THE WATER HEATER IS FULL OF WATER. If the elements are not completely covered in water, they will burn up or explode!
| I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it! |
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Michael
enthusiast
Posts: 2076
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-20-02
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02-06-10 11:55 AM - Post#104826
In response to Bunny-san
I want to adjust the temp on my electric hot water heater, but I can't figure out WHERE it is plugged IN so I can disconnect the power supply first. I realize it should be fairly obvious, but it is in an awkward corner and I can't really SEE around the back. Is the plug similar to a clothes dryer plug? One of those big doodads? Is it somehow wired directly INTO the house wiring?
On mine, the cord comes out the top and the plug in behind the water heater. The plug is exactly like a dryer plug (i.e. one of those big triangle, three prong thingy)
The breaker should be one of those large (50A) breakers. There are just a few of the large breakers used for the water heater, (house) heater, A/C, and stove.
| I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it! |
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Bunny-san
enthusiast
Posts: 103
Loc: Allen
Reg: 06-30-07
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02-06-10 05:57 PM - Post#104837
In response to Michael
I figured out the breaker thingy and turned it off there. THANKS!!!!!!
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Arcturus
enthusiast
Posts: 265
Reg: 05-11-10
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11-17-10 09:16 AM - Post#121373
In response to Bunny-san
There is just a big red dial on the front of mine that I can turn. Which reminds me, I need to adjust it, the pipes are getting cold.
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