The temperature control switch of the water heater does not work properly
Temperature Controller
If the temperature of the water heater is switched between hot and cold, there may be problems with controlling the thermostat. The water heater has two thermostats, one at the top and the bottom of the water heater. Fluctuations between the hot and cold temperatures indicate that only the upper water heater circuit is working. The thermostat supplies power to the upper heating element and transfers power to the lower component once the desired temperature is reached in the water at the top of the tank. If the upper thermostat fails to supply power to the lower thermostat, the water will not be heated to the bottom of the tank. To repair the water heater, you must find the thermostat that is causing the problem. Turn off the water heater, turn on the hot water tap, and wait for the temperature to drop to a safe level. Remove the lower access cover from the side of the tank, push the insulating cover away and remove the wires that connect to the lower thermostat. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat. Set the meter to R1 ohms and measure the terminals of the thermostat. No continuity means the thermostat is not working and should be replaced. To replace it, lift the spring mounting bracket and secure the new mounting bracket in place, making sure it rests firmly against the side of the tank. If the thermostat looks orderly, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the lower components. If it also works, you need to test the upper thermostat. To do this test, the water must be hot enough so that the upper thermostat directs the power to the lower thermostat, which means the water heater must have enough power to heat the water. Once this happens, close it and remove the upper access cover to access the thermostat as you would a lower cover. Remove the wires from terminals L1 and T4. Check the continuity between the two terminals (as long as the water reaches the desired temperature). If there is no continuity, it means that the upper thermostat needs to be replaced. For gas water heaters, the gas valve controls the temperature. The valve assembly has a dial that can be used to adjust the temperature. If the water temperature fluctuates but the indicator light is on, the valve assembly may be faulty. This repair needs to be done by a qualified technician.
Heating element
If the hot water temperature varies between unpredictable heat and cold, it may be necessary to test the lower water heater components. On domestic water heaters, there is an upper and lower thermostat that transfers power to the lower thermostat when the water at the top of the tank reaches the correct temperature. If the lower part does not work, the water temperature will fluctuate. To test the component, turn off the heater and remove the lower access cover. Push open the insulation and disconnect the wires from the heating element. Continuity is tested using a multimeter set to R1. It should have a continuity of 10 to 20 ohms between the two terminals. If the heating element is continuous, check the continuity of the thermostat. If not, you will need to replace the thermostat. In order to replace the components, the fuel tank needs to be drained. To drain the tank, close the inlet valve, connect the hose to the drain valve, open the drain valve and the hot water tap, and wait for the water to fall below the heater element. Use a sleeve or component wrench to remove the component and ensure that the new gasket is in place when the new component is tightened. Connect the wires to the component terminals and close the drain valve before refilling the tank. Be aware of the leak before turning the power back on.
If the temperature of the water heater is switched between hot and cold, there may be problems with controlling the thermostat. The water heater has two thermostats, one at the top and the bottom of the water heater. Fluctuations between the hot and cold temperatures indicate that only the upper water heater circuit is working. The thermostat supplies power to the upper heating element and transfers power to the lower component once the desired temperature is reached in the water at the top of the tank. If the upper thermostat fails to supply power to the lower thermostat, the water will not be heated to the bottom of the tank. To repair the water heater, you must find the thermostat that is causing the problem. Turn off the water heater, turn on the hot water tap, and wait for the temperature to drop to a safe level. Remove the lower access cover from the side of the tank, push the insulating cover away and remove the wires that connect to the lower thermostat. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat. Set the meter to R1 ohms and measure the terminals of the thermostat. No continuity means the thermostat is not working and should be replaced. To replace it, lift the spring mounting bracket and secure the new mounting bracket in place, making sure it rests firmly against the side of the tank. If the thermostat looks orderly, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the lower components. If it also works, you need to test the upper thermostat. To do this test, the water must be hot enough so that the upper thermostat directs the power to the lower thermostat, which means the water heater must have enough power to heat the water. Once this happens, close it and remove the upper access cover to access the thermostat as you would a lower cover. Remove the wires from terminals L1 and T4. Check the continuity between the two terminals (as long as the water reaches the desired temperature). If there is no continuity, it means that the upper thermostat needs to be replaced. For gas water heaters, the gas valve controls the temperature. The valve assembly has a dial that can be used to adjust the temperature. If the water temperature fluctuates but the indicator light is on, the valve assembly may be faulty. This repair needs to be done by a qualified technician.
Heating element
If the hot water temperature varies between unpredictable heat and cold, it may be necessary to test the lower water heater components. On domestic water heaters, there is an upper and lower thermostat that transfers power to the lower thermostat when the water at the top of the tank reaches the correct temperature. If the lower part does not work, the water temperature will fluctuate. To test the component, turn off the heater and remove the lower access cover. Push open the insulation and disconnect the wires from the heating element. Continuity is tested using a multimeter set to R1. It should have a continuity of 10 to 20 ohms between the two terminals. If the heating element is continuous, check the continuity of the thermostat. If not, you will need to replace the thermostat. In order to replace the components, the fuel tank needs to be drained. To drain the tank, close the inlet valve, connect the hose to the drain valve, open the drain valve and the hot water tap, and wait for the water to fall below the heater element. Use a sleeve or component wrench to remove the component and ensure that the new gasket is in place when the new component is tightened. Connect the wires to the component terminals and close the drain valve before refilling the tank. Be aware of the leak before turning the power back on.
