Author	[Modern View]
Nancy Howell 08-02-2012 08:09:48 144.162.48.67 Report to Moderator	I think the thermostat on my hot water heater has stopped working. The water is extremely hot and even though I've turned the thermostat down as far as it will go (currently set at "vacation") the water temp has not changed. Its a gas hot water heater. How difficult is it to change a thermostat? [Reply]   [No Email]
CJ in MI 08-02-2012 12:43:14 75.5.231.16 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-HW heater thermostat in reply to Nancy Howell, 08-02-2012 08:09:48   Depends. Direct vent. standard (chimney), Standing pilot or not. How old, water condition, ect. Some will come right out, others you wreck the fitting. Some newer ones you don't even have to drain first. If 8-10 yr standard sometimes your ahead to just change it. Need to know a few things to give a honest answer. Done HVAC & WH to long, will answer what I can. [Reply]  [No Email]
Mike (WA) 08-02-2012 09:29:25 69.10.199.107 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-HW heater thermostat in reply to Nancy Howell, 08-02-2012 08:09:48   If water is extremely hot, turn off heater AT ONCE! I've changed thermostat on electrics, and it doesn't involve draining the tank- the thermostat just rests agaist the tank, 4 screws, and you're good to go. But never messed with gas, and it can be dangerous. Even if the popoff valve works perfectly, many that I've seen were plumbed correctly, to route the steam and water harmlessly outside- so you may have a big mess, even if it just pops off. [Reply]  [No Email]
Notjustair 08-02-2012 08:40:31 174.255.13.42 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-HW heater thermostat in reply to Nancy Howell, 08-02-2012 08:09:48   I replaced one years ago. Seems to me I bought the replacement T-stat at a box store. Wasn't hard at all but did have to drain the tank. 15 minute job. [Reply]  [No Email]
Russ from MN 08-02-2012 08:32:43 68.235.89.1 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-HW heater thermostat in reply to Nancy Howell, 08-02-2012 08:09:48   Does this usually happen when you haven't used any hot water for awhile? I remember a similar situation where the pilot light was adjusted slightly too large and if no hot water was used for some time it would get hot enough to blow the T&P valve. With all this hot weather your water is probably warm enough for a shower without the heater turned on! [Reply]  [No Email]
Daryl in PA 08-02-2012 08:28:56 174.60.19.226 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-HW heater thermostat in reply to Nancy Howell, 08-02-2012 08:09:48   I'm pretty sure the gas valve and t-stat are all one assembly. Might be best to call a pro. I would shut the water heater down as soon as possible. Never saw a gas water heater blow, but have on electrics. Wasn't a pretty sight! [Reply]  [No Email]