Are 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 much does a thermostat cost for a water heater?

between $100 and $300
The average thermostat replacement cost is between $100 and $300. Most other repairs are equally affordable. There are two main types: gas and electric. A gas unit works by way of a gas flame while an electric one works using electric elements, or coils.

What causes a water heater thermostat to burn up?

If air pockets develop in the tank, often due to a failure to bleed out the tank completely before filling it up, the element may be burning itself out without enough water. As a result, the heating element could be failing faster and more frequently than it should.

How do I reset my water heater thermostat?

Somewhere on your electric water heater, you’ll find a reset button. It’s usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.

Why does a water heater thermostat trip?

When the reset button on a water heater thermostat keeps tripping, the metal casing of the heating element may have cracks. This exposes live wires to water, which causes a short in the system. When there’s a short, power will keep flowing to the heating element.

When should I replace water heater thermostat?

Make sure there is voltage coming into the water heater by checking the 2 wires above the reset button. It should read 240 volts. Use your multimeter to check for power on the upper element terminal screws. If no power, this thermostat is bad and needs to be replaced.