Water Temperature Advice from a Plumber in Laguna Niguel

You will often hear the recommendation that you turn the temperature on your water heater down in order to save money, but it is certainly a good idea to get some advice from a plumber in Laguna Niguel before you do anything. However, it doesn’t hurt to have some ideas first before you make that phone call. Here are some guidelines to use when thinking about what temperature to set your water heater at:

    • • The general standard for water heater temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have an older water heater, that’s usually equivalent to keeping it on the medium setting. To check the temperature your water heater is currently at, look for the dial that’s located on the appliance somewhere. For electric water heaters, usually it’s on the tank’s side behind two panels. For gas versions, usually the dial is located on the front of the gas valve. Make sure you turn off the electricity if you need to remove any parts or panels to check the temperature.
    • • Water heater temperatures in excess of 125 degrees Fahrenheit could cause serious burns, so it is definitely not advisable to turn it above that temperature. Children are especially at risk of burns at higher temperature levels, so you might want to consider turning down the temperature just for them, even if you aren’t worried about your heating bill.
    • • If you frequently run out of hot water in your home, turning up the temperature may not solve the problem. Aside from the burn risk, you also will not likely be addressing the real problem.
    • • One of the most common problems is for the dip tube to have broken off. This is the tube that sends water down to the bottom of your hot water heater’s tank. That enables the hot water to rise to the top of the tank. If the dip tube is broken, cold water can mix with hot water, which lowers the overall temperature of the water that’s in your hot water heater. This can cause you to think you have solved the problem by turning up the temperature, but all you are doing is creating a larger heating bill for yourself.
    • • Another common problem that can cause you to run out of hot water frequently depends entirely on which kind of water heater you have. Electric units have a tendency for the part that actually heats the water to malfunction. Often it’s because the thermostat has gone bad. This is easily fixed by a professional plumber.
  • • It is important that you don’t set your water heater’s temperature too low because it can become contaminated by legionella bacteria, which often grow in the lower part of the water heater. Pneumonia can be the result of the aspiration of water with these bacteria in it. So it is advisable not to lower your temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should find a reputable plumber to work with on all of your water heater concerns. Be sure to check reviews online before you call anyone, and keep their business card handy so that you always have somewhere to turn when you have questions like this.

Call Scott English Plumbing for all of your water heater needs. With more than 19 years of experience in the plumbing industry, they are one plumber in Laguna Niguel that you can count on. They offer:

Scott English Plumbing is your plumber in Laguna Niguel, so let them dial in the best water temperature for you today!

PROUDLY SERVING: