Hi, I have a water heater, 40 gal, 40,000 BTU, that is too hot. It was here when we moved in 3 years ago. The manufacturer (Kenmore /Sears) can not give me any idea of the age (even with model and serial number) since I did not buy it and don't know who did.
The water temp is too hot ( >160 deg) even when at the lowest possible setting. We have gotten used to being safe when using hot water, but I'm not comfortable with the ongoing situation. No young children at home, but would be worried to remember to advise a visitor too.
I have found out that the temp control is replaceable for a cost of $85 plus tax and labor, but don't know if changing this is really worth it, if the rest of the heater is not in good shape. May not be worth fixing if something else is going to go bad right after. Just getting a plumber/service tech here to "inspect" the situation will cost $60-$75.
My biggest concern is HOW QUICKLY DO I NEED TO DECIDE. Is this a safety issue too, that something may blow up or overheat to the extent that the pressure saftey valve or something else might go kablooooiey, or what?
Any advise or suggestions would be appreciated.
The water temp is too hot ( >160 deg) even when at the lowest possible setting. We have gotten used to being safe when using hot water, but I'm not comfortable with the ongoing situation. No young children at home, but would be worried to remember to advise a visitor too.
I have found out that the temp control is replaceable for a cost of $85 plus tax and labor, but don't know if changing this is really worth it, if the rest of the heater is not in good shape. May not be worth fixing if something else is going to go bad right after. Just getting a plumber/service tech here to "inspect" the situation will cost $60-$75.
My biggest concern is HOW QUICKLY DO I NEED TO DECIDE. Is this a safety issue too, that something may blow up or overheat to the extent that the pressure saftey valve or something else might go kablooooiey, or what?
Any advise or suggestions would be appreciated.