Are electric water heater thermostats universal?

Are electric water heater thermostats universal?

Are Electric Water Heater Thermostats Universal? No, all water heater thermostats are not universal. There are some variances in thermostats between single-element water heaters and dual-element water heaters. Also, there is a difference in the upper and lower thermostats in dual-element water heaters.

How many thermostats does a Rheem water heater have?

two thermostats
The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated by the adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access panel(s). Dual element heaters have two thermostats. To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s) were set at 120°F before the water heater was shipped from the factory.

How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermostat?

$150 to $200
Thermostat. You may also run into problems with the thermostat on your unit. The cost to repair or replace one is usually $150 to $200.

Can I use any thermostat for water heater?

These are not the same, so you will want to make sure you purchase the correct type for your water heater. Also, in dual element water heaters, the lower and upper thermostats are not the same and can not be used interchangeably. The upper thermostat is larger and has more terminals than the lower.

Do you have to drain a water heater to replace the thermostat?

Final Thoughts. Learning how to replace an electric water heater thermostat is easy. The scariest thing to get past is working with electricity. But as long as you turn off the power at the breaker box and drain the tank of water, you’ll be perfectly safe.

How much does a thermostat cost for a electric water heater?

Thermostat. You may also run into problems with the thermostat on your unit. The cost to repair or replace one is usually $150 to $200.

Should both thermostats on an electric water heater be set the same?

If your water heater has two thermostats, adjust both the same amount. The top thermostat should be a few degrees higher than the bottom.

How long should a hot water thermostat last?

How Long Do Water Heaters Last. — The majority of water heaters last between eight and ten years. While ten is the age at which heater replacement is generally recommended, the actual need to replace a heater could arise before or after this timeline.

Are all electric hot water heater thermostats the same?

Are Electric Water Heater Thermostats Universal? No. Some water heaters use two heating elements and others heat the water with a single element. These are not the same, so you will want to make sure you purchase the correct type for your water heater.

Why does electric water heater have two thermostats?

Most electric water heaters above 20 gallons have two thermostats that sense the temperature of the water in both the top and bottom of the tank. The upper thermostat is the boss and always tells the lower thermostat what to do.