Water Heaters - Thermostat dual elemnt vs single.
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Synicasm
11-05-09, 09:48 PM
I have a single element 40 Gallon Water heater. The element and Thermostat are at the bottom of the water heater.
The thermostat burnt out the other day and burnt the insulation and made some pretty bad smells through the house. Not knowing there is a differnce, I bought a 2 element thermostat to replace it. Will I be ok using only the "top" element Hook up?
What I understand is with a 2 element type water heater the 2 element thermostat starts by heating the top element until it reaches temperature then switches to the bottom element till it reaches temperature. Then back to top and so on.
If I use only the "top" connection will it function correctly ?
Also the theromstat I replaced was wet and rusty on the back Im concerned the tank is leaking or something, but I dont see any water on the floor, etc.. Could this just be normal condensation ?
Thanks for your advice/help.
The thermostat burnt out the other day and burnt the insulation and made some pretty bad smells through the house. Not knowing there is a differnce, I bought a 2 element thermostat to replace it. Will I be ok using only the "top" element Hook up?
What I understand is with a 2 element type water heater the 2 element thermostat starts by heating the top element until it reaches temperature then switches to the bottom element till it reaches temperature. Then back to top and so on.
If I use only the "top" connection will it function correctly ?
Also the theromstat I replaced was wet and rusty on the back Im concerned the tank is leaking or something, but I dont see any water on the floor, etc.. Could this just be normal condensation ?
Thanks for your advice/help.
shacko
11-06-09, 03:03 PM
>>>Also the theromstat I replaced was wet and rusty on the back Im concerned the tank is leaking or something, but I dont see any water on the floor, etc.. Could this just be normal condensation ?<<<
Sounds like you may have a safety prob. with water causing the thermostat to burn out, a rusty thermo. with water on it indicates a leak, not condensation, I'd replace the heater. :(
Sounds like you may have a safety prob. with water causing the thermostat to burn out, a rusty thermo. with water on it indicates a leak, not condensation, I'd replace the heater. :(