How to Replace a Removed Upper or Lower Thermostat in Your Water Heater
Has your water heater lost efficiency or stopped cooling? Did you narrow the problem down to either the upper or lower thermostat—or both? Removing the thermometers is simple work, and then you get to move on to replacing the broken part with a new model.
Haven't uninstalled the thermostats yet? Follow the instructions from the bottom up to walk through the removal and then go in the correct order for installing the new part. If you aren't positive the thermostat is causing the heater's problems, call plumbing contractors or a water-heater company to diagnose the cause before replacing anything.
Things You Need:
• New thermostat
• Screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• Reference photo or chart
Step 1: Install the New Thermostat
Make sure you completely turn off the power supply to the water heater before beginning the replacement; electricity and water shouldn't mix. Remove the new thermostat from all of its packaging. If you are replacing both the upper and lower thermostats, make sure you work with one thermostat at a time to ensure you install things in the right place.
Match up the thermostat with its location. The upper thermostat should go in the upper access panel while the lower goes further down on the unit. Use your screwdriver to unfasten the access panel, if in place, and set the panel off to the side. Lift the foam flap inside the panel and tape the flap to the exterior of the unit to clear your installation path.
Slide the thermostat between the mounting brackets until the brackets snap into place to secure. Hook up the wires to the correct screws on the thermostat using your reference image or a chart in your owner's manual for orientation help, if needed. Tighten the screws to secure the wires into place.
Step 2: Restore the Water Heater
Remove the electrical tape so that the foam flap falls back over the panel. Slide the panel door back into place and secure its fastener.
Repeat the process with the other thermostat if you are replacing both at the same time. Make sure both panel doors are in place before you restore power to your unit.
Restore the electrical supply at the circuit breaker. Let the heater operate for a couple of hours before you test to see whether the heating problem is resolved. If you still don't have hot water or the supply seems less efficient than normal, call a plumber or water-heater repair company such as Thompson Plumbing & Pump Service Inc for assistance.