How to Bypass Thermal Switch on Water Heater
When your water heater is not functioning, you may be able to bypass the thermal switch and get it up and running again. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to bypass thermal switch on water heater.
If you’re like most people, you probably think that your water heater is a set-it-and-forget-it appliance. But if you’re having problems with your water heater, it might be time to take a closer look. In many cases, the answer to fixing your water heater lies in bypassing the thermal switch. Keep in mind that this is a temporary fix and that you should call a professional to come to take a look at your water heater if it’s not working correctly. Read on for more information.
What Problems Water Heaters Without a Bypass Thermal Switch Can Cause?
The thermal switch is a safety device that is installed on water heaters. Its purpose is to shut off the power to the heater if the water temperature gets too high. In some cases, the switch may become tripped accidentally, preventing the water heater from working properly. If this happens, you may need to bypass the thermal switch to get the heater working again.
There may be a lot of problems if you do not use a bypass thermal switch on the water heater.
1. Unnecessary Strain on the Heater
Without a bypass switch, the water heater will have to work harder to maintain the water temperature. This can put unnecessary strain on the heater and cause it to break down more easily.
2. Poor Water Quality
If the water heater is not working properly, the water quality may suffer. This can lead to problems such as bad taste, odor, and discoloration. So make sure to use a bypass switch to keep your water heater working properly.
3. Safety Hazard
A water heater that is not working properly can pose a safety hazard. If the water temperature gets too high, it can cause scalding or burns. Additionally, if the water pressure gets too high, it can cause the tank to burst and flood your home.
4. Higher Utility Bills
Without a bypass switch, the water heater will use more energy to maintain the water temperature. This can lead to higher utility bills. So it is important to use a bypass switch on the water heater.
5. Inconvenience
If the water heater is not working properly, it can be very inconvenient. This can mean cold showers, no hot water for laundry, and having to boil water for dishes. So make sure to use a bypass switch to keep your water heater working properly.
How to Bypass Thermal Switch on Water Heater in 9 Easy Steps
Step 1: Turn Off the Electricity
The first step is to turn off the electricity that powers your water heater. This will ensure that you don’t get electrocuted while working on the unit.
Step 2: Locate the Thermal Switch
The next step is to locate the thermal switch. This is typically located near the top of the water heater. If you’re not sure where it is, consult your owner’s manual.
Step 3: Unscrew the Thermal Switch
Once you’ve located the thermal switch, unscrew it from the water heater. Be careful not to lose any of the small parts. It will take a few minutes, but be patient and make sure not to strip the screws. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace the entire switch.
Step 4: Cut Wires Going to Switch
Once the switch is unscrewed, you will need to cut the wires going to the switch. You can use a wire cutter or a utility knife for this. Be careful not to damage any other parts of the water heater. Do not do it in a rush.
Step 5: Strip Wires
After the wires are cut, you will need to strip them so that they can be reconnected. You can use a wire stripper or a utility knife for this. Again, be careful not to damage any other parts of the water heater.
Step 6: Reconnect Wires
Once the wires are stripped, you will need to reconnect them. You can use a wire crimper or a utility knife for this. Be careful not to damage any other parts of the water heater. You have to be careful while reconnecting the wires because if they are not connected properly, it can cause a fire.
Step 7: Screw in the New Thermal Switch
Once the wires are reconnected, you will need to screw in the new thermal switch. Be careful not to lose any of the screws that hold the switch in place. Make sure the switch is screwed in tightly so that it doesn’t come loose.
Step 8: Replace the Cover
After the new switch is in place, you can replace the cover on the water heater. Make sure that all of the screws are tight so that the cover is secure. Be careful not to damage the gasket that seals the cover in place.
Step 9: Turn On the Electricity
After the cover is in place, you can turn on the electricity to the water heater. Make sure that all of the switches are in the “on” position. Additionally, make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
Now that you know how to bypass the thermal switch on your water heater, you can be sure that your unit will work properly. This will help to prevent scalding, burns, and flooding in your home. Additionally, it will save you money on your utility bills. So make sure to use a bypass switch when necessary.
Precautions You Must Take Before Bypassing a Water Heater’s Thermal Switch
1. Bypass the Thermal Switch Only if You Need:
You must know that by passing the thermal switch of your water heater, you are making some changes in its safety measure. So, it is better to do it only when you need it, and that too under the guidance of a professional.
2. Turn Off Electricity Before You Begin
Make sure that you turn off the electricity running to your water heater before you start working on it. Once you have turned it off, check with a voltmeter to be doubly sure.
3. Buy the Right Replacement Switch
You must know that there are different types and models of replacement switches available in the market. So, before you buy one, make sure that you take the old switch with you to get the right replacement.
4. Follow the Instructions Carefully
When you are bypassing the thermal switch, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully so that you do not end up damaging any other parts of your water heater.
5. Do Not Overlook Any Safety Precautions
While working with electricity and wires, you mustn’t overlook any safety precautions. Make sure that you take all the necessary precautions so that you do not end up harming yourself in any way.
Bypassing the thermal switch on your water heater is not a difficult task if you follow the instructions carefully. However, it is always better to get the help of a professional if you are not sure about what you are doing. This will help to avoid any damage to your water heater and will also ensure your safety.
FAQ
Can You Bypass a Thermostat on a Hot Water Heater?
It is not advisable to bypass the thermostat on a hot water heater as it can lead to scalding, burns, and flooding in your home. Additionally, it will void the warranty on your water heater.
How Do I Know if My Water Heater’s Thermal Switch is Bad?
If your water heater is not working properly, it is likely that the thermal switch is bad. You can check this by testing the switch with a multimeter. If the switch is not working, you will need to replace it.
What Are the Consequences of Not Replacing a Bad Thermal Switch?
If you do not replace a bad thermal switch, your water heater will not work properly. Additionally, it can lead to scalding, burns, and flooding in your home. Additionally, it will void the warranty on your water heater.
How Often Should I Replace My Water Heater’s Thermal Switch?
You should replace your water heater’s thermal switch every 3-5 years. However, if you notice that the switch is not working properly, you should replace it immediately.
Conclusion
Whether you have an electric or gas water heater, there’s a good chance it has a thermostat that keeps the water from getting too hot. If this switch fails, your water heater will continue to heat the water past its safe limit and could cause serious damage. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to bypass the thermal switch on your water heater.
Hopefully, you have got some useful insights from this post on how to bypass thermal switch on water heater. Still, if you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to ask us in the comment section below. We would be glad to help you out. Thanks for reading!
