TOPIC: Turning up heat on electric water heater

Gas water heaters have a dial on the side of the tank that goes from low to high to hot, electric water heaters simply have a conduit that goes behing a cover plate on the tank. Can the heat on electric water heaters be turned up in a similar fashion?

Why are you messing with the water heater settings?

If your trying to turn on the wh to test it, just turn on the hot water somewhere and let it drain down the hw heater...

I'm not trying to test it. The point of my question is this: CAN you turn up the temperature on an electric water heater? Is there a setting where this can be done?

Yes there is!!

You need to take of the cover of the elements, then there will be an interior cover, insulation and then a small usually white dial with the temperature settings. Dial has a small indicator pointing to desired temperature.

Found this blurb on the internet.

Adjusting tank-type electric water heaters...

The temperature of an tank-type electric water heater is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat has a visible scale and is adjustable by turning the control to the desired temperature. The typical thermostat control is adjusted by using a screwdriver. Remember... the recommended minimum temperature is 130 degrees!

The thermostat is concealed behind a metal plate and may also be covered with insulation. TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE REMOVING THE PLATE. This is important... there may be exposed high voltage wires under the cover.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Most electric water heaters have two thermostats... one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. It is important that these both be adjusted to the same temperature. Otherwise, one element may never go on causing premature wear to the other. Also, the usable output of hot water or the time it takes to heat the tank may decrease... depending on which thermostat is set higher!

Thank you David