Amtrol ST-12-C THERM-X-TROL ASME Expansion Tank, 5 Gallon  Logo
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don johnson Posted on Feb 08, 2014
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What is the proper temperature setting for a hot water heater

Not getting enough hot water

1 Answer

Gil Shultz

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  • Amtrol Master 3,464 Answers
  • Posted on May 03, 2014
Gil Shultz
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Joined: Nov 26, 2009
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The answer different if you have: concerns about diseases, a dishwasher, young children or elderly that can be easily burned, electric vs. gas heat, type of plumbing (e.g. PEX or Copper).

In 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended that water heater manufacturers preset the maximum temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns. Since several states have mandated this maximum temperature.

1 Related Answer

freetek

Steve Allison

  • 5569 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 26, 2009

SOURCE: not enough hot water. I have an Amtrol Extrol coil water heater

Since you mentioned 'both temperatures' it seems your unit is like most all of them, a lower and upper coil.
If your hot water supply runs out quickly, this normally means that the lower coil has failed. Since heat rises, the upper coil will never supply a tankful of hot water, just hot to start, and then as the flow continues, it doesn't have time to do more than warm the water flowing into the tank.
Every home should now own a simple digital multimeter; they cost less than $20 US everywhere and one can find them in auto parts stores, electronic supply companies and tool companies.
If you have a Harbor Freight tool store in your area, you can get them for under $10 US any time and sometimes even less:
Digital meter   
You need to be absolutely certain that the voltage to the water heater is shut down. Before you measure anything else, set the meter to its highest AC setting and check across the coils and then from either contact to the metal housing. If it is dead everywhere, then set the meter to the lowest Ohms scale (normally 200). The resistance of the coil should be nearly the same reading as when you simply short the meter's probe tips together. If it measures 'OL' then the coil is open and must be replaced.  

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1answer

Tempra plus not heating all water

This issue may be caused by several factors, including a malfunctioning or improperly sized water heater, clogged pipes, or a malfunctioning thermostatic mixing valve. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
  1. Check the size of your water heater: If your water heater is too small for your home's needs, it may not be able to supply enough hot water to all areas of your home. Consider upgrading to a larger water heater.
  2. Check for clogged pipes: If your hot water pipes are clogged with mineral buildup or debris, water flow may be restricted, causing reduced hot water supply. Have a plumber inspect your pipes and clean them if necessary.
  3. Check the thermostatic mixing valve: If your home is equipped with a thermostatic mixing valve, it may be malfunctioning and causing the issue. Have a plumber inspect and replace the valve if necessary.
  4. Check for leaks: If there are any leaks in your hot water pipes, the water pressure may be reduced, causing reduced hot water supply. Have a plumber inspect your pipes and repair any leaks.
  5. Adjust the temperature settings: Make sure the temperature settings on your water heater are properly set. If the temperature is set too low, you may not be getting enough hot water.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact a licensed plumber to inspect and repair your hot water system.
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1answer

Is it safe to turn up your water heater as high as it can go?

It is generally not recommended to set your water heater to the highest setting. Water heaters typically have a maximum temperature setting, usually between 120°F and 140°F, and setting the temperature higher than this can be dangerous.
Water that is too hot can cause scalding and skin burns, and can also damage pipes and fixtures. Additionally, high temperatures can cause increased wear and tear on the water heater, reducing its lifespan and potentially leading to costly repairs.
If you're running out of hot water, there are a few other things you can try before turning up the temperature. For example, you could insulate the hot water pipes to reduce heat loss, or upgrade to a larger water heater if your current one is too small for your needs. If you do decide to increase the temperature, be sure to do so gradually and monitor the water temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
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1answer

Why the hot water temperature couldn't reach the set temperature (130 degree) in Amtrol WHS80Z indirect water heater?

I have a couple of thoughts. You may have air in the boiler water circuit at the loop that feeds the tank. You'll have to find the vent in the loop to get it out. Second, the automatic valve that opens for hot water may not be opening fully. Have you felt both the boiler water lines that go in and out of the tank? If the water going in is hot and the line out is very cold you have very little boiler water going through the loop. Make sure the isolation valves on the loop are open. Is your boiler full of water? If the boiler loop lines are hot going in and coming out, the tank is full of rust or debris and no water can get to the fins on the internal tubing to pick up heat. If that's the case there is no repair and its time to get a new tank. Hope this helps good luck.
0helpful
1answer

My gas water heater wont heat water enotgh.

Not knowing if you water heater is new or old , it could be many different reasons what could be causing your problem,
Lets start by mentioning the part where it could be very possible that
the burner is not staying on long enough like it should to get the water hot like you would like to. It could be that the dial in front
of the thermostat is not set at the correct temperature it will show (low-med-hot ) to be set at your desired temperature .
I hope this can give some basic information.
0helpful
1answer

Rheem water heater poor temperature regulation

Have a look at the water section might be getting clogged inside , slowing the flow .
0helpful
1answer

Not enough hot water ge smartwater water heater gas

1) Copy following links:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html

2) Low temperature setting, extremely cold incoming water, Water leak or broken pipe running hot out of tank, crossover caused by bad faucet cartridge or bad recircirculation check valve,, bad gas control valve thermostat.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1helpful
1answer

Raise temp above 120

Raising temperature above 120 degrees requires service call.
Or change dip switch settings and risk voiding warranty and causing service call expense.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Troubleshoot-Rheem-Tankless-water-heater.html#temperature

Earliest versions of Rheem tankless 2006-8 let you set temperature up to 140 degrees F using remote.
However the hotter setting caused error codes because the burner cannot keep up with both high temperature and large volume of hot water rushing through pipe. Especially in winter with cooler incoming water that must be heated more to reach temperature set point.
The burner simply cannot keep up.
So Rheem changed maximum temperature at remote control to tepid 120 degrees, which is not hot enough for folks wanting hot shower, or folks filling whirlpool tub because water in tub cools before tub fills.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

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My Reliance 606 40 gallon water heater only heats up enough hot water to fill a bathtub. We've drained it, the pilot light is fine, it heats up the water really hot, but it just doesn't seem to be able to...

How big is your bathtub? Is your water heater set on the hottest setting? What is the temperature of the hot water at the tap?

Keep in mind that hot water can cause severe burns. Children and those with diminished mental capacity can be seriously harmed by hot water.

The "40 Gallon" rating on the water heater is usually the amount of hot water the unit can produce in one hour. So the tank, and the amount of immediately available hot water, might be smaller than 40 gallons.

My bathtub is 2 feet wide by 1 foot deep and 4 feet long. This is 8 cubic feet or almost 60 gallons. So a 40 gallons of water at 120 degrees, mixed with 20 gallons of cold water (60 degrees), fills the tub with 100 degree water. My January cold water is 42 degrees, so it will take 40 gallons at 129 degrees to fill the tub. If the tub is cold to start it will take even hotter water.

So the water heater might be just fine.

Possible solutions:
1. turn the temperature up on your water heater- or the temperature control could be malfunctioning and not getting the water hot enough.
2. insulate your hot water pipes so that the water loses less heat on the way to the tub.
3. bigger water heater.
4. smaller bathtub, or less full bathtub.


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Noritz tankless water heater/dishwasher not hot enough to clean

You are doing everything you can. Your dishwasher probably isn't drawing enough hot water to activate the unit so opening the faucet and flowing more water will activate the unit. Just try to adjust the flow from the faucet to a point it, plus the draw from the dishwasher, will activate the unit. This will come with trial and error as I am sure you have already experienced. Also, open the dishwasher when it does get filled and check the water temperature. You might have the unit set at a low discharge temperature. Do you have a touchpad to control the water temperature adjustment?
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Water Heater Repair

If steam or excessively hot water shoots out of faucets, or you hear boilding sounds inside the hot water heater, the appliance may not be shutting off at its set temperature. The job of the temperature- pressure (TP) relief valve is to release excessive pressure from steam buildup, but this valve may have been improperly installed, or it may be faulty. Either way, this condition can be dangerous, both because hot water and steam can scald people and because enough pressure could build up to rupture the water heater. Immediately turn down the water heater’s temperature setting and allow the water to cool.
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