Water Heaters - WH thermostat gets stuck intermittently
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salter00
05-24-07, 11:21 PM
Hi folks,
I have a 10yr-old Bradford White natural gas WH. It has an intermittent problem where sometimes, when you first turn on the water in the morning, it will only be lukewarm instead of hot like normal. What usually happens is I run the hot water for a while, then go down to the garage to see what is going on, and find that the WH burner is on and heating. I assume it was not heating all night or the water would have been hot – my guess is that it somehow got “stuck” at lukewarm, and my running the hot water kicked it back into gear. Once it heats up again, everything is fine.
This happens about once every few months or so. Other than this, the WH runs fine.
Turning the temperature knob up or down doesn’t seem to affect the problem. The problem never happens in the middle of the day, only after it sits all night or for a few days if we’re out of town.
If the thermostat is getting stuck, is it possible for me to disassemble it and fix it myself? I am mechanically inclined and fix stuff all the time. I assume something inside is just dirty or gunked up.
If I need to replace the thermostat, do I need to drain the tank first before removing it? If I disassemble it, do I need to drain the tank for that? Can I buy parts for a thermostat?
Thanks a lot in advance! You guys have great answers!
Aaron
I have a 10yr-old Bradford White natural gas WH. It has an intermittent problem where sometimes, when you first turn on the water in the morning, it will only be lukewarm instead of hot like normal. What usually happens is I run the hot water for a while, then go down to the garage to see what is going on, and find that the WH burner is on and heating. I assume it was not heating all night or the water would have been hot – my guess is that it somehow got “stuck” at lukewarm, and my running the hot water kicked it back into gear. Once it heats up again, everything is fine.
This happens about once every few months or so. Other than this, the WH runs fine.
Turning the temperature knob up or down doesn’t seem to affect the problem. The problem never happens in the middle of the day, only after it sits all night or for a few days if we’re out of town.
If the thermostat is getting stuck, is it possible for me to disassemble it and fix it myself? I am mechanically inclined and fix stuff all the time. I assume something inside is just dirty or gunked up.
If I need to replace the thermostat, do I need to drain the tank first before removing it? If I disassemble it, do I need to drain the tank for that? Can I buy parts for a thermostat?
Thanks a lot in advance! You guys have great answers!
Aaron
jim-connor
05-25-07, 12:16 PM
Unfortunately, gas valves were not really designed for field repair. It is best to just replace it.
On the other hand, your heater is 10 years old. At that age it probably isn't worth putting money into it.
I would just live with it until you decide to replace the entire heater.
Maybe others have some suggestions.
On the other hand, your heater is 10 years old. At that age it probably isn't worth putting money into it.
I would just live with it until you decide to replace the entire heater.
Maybe others have some suggestions.
furd
05-25-07, 01:22 PM
I agree with jim-conner. Your water heater is on borrowed time at ten years of age.
Also, if you disassemble the gas valve / thermostat you will void any product liability in case the valve subsequently fails and causes a fire or explosion in your house.
Replacement valves are available but again, your heater is old enough that it would probably be sending good money after bad.
Also, if you disassemble the gas valve / thermostat you will void any product liability in case the valve subsequently fails and causes a fire or explosion in your house.
Replacement valves are available but again, your heater is old enough that it would probably be sending good money after bad.
salter00
05-25-07, 11:48 PM
Thanks guys.
After reading these, and checking on the prices of new heaters (argh), I think I will just ignore the problem for now until/unless it gets bad enough to be annoying. Thanks again.
Aaron
After reading these, and checking on the prices of new heaters (argh), I think I will just ignore the problem for now until/unless it gets bad enough to be annoying. Thanks again.
Aaron