Proper adjustment of your water heater is necessary in order to provide safe and efficient hot water. Water heaters should be set to provide a hot water temperature of approximately one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Hotter temperatures increase the risk of scalding, and lower temperatures may not provide enough hot water or allow automatic dishwashers to clean properly. If your water heater does not have a numerical temperature setting on the thermostat, a normal setting is usually the efficient temperature. If you frequently notice that less hot water is available, check the thermostat setting. Possible malfunctions with hot water systems in homes include: malfunctioning water heater thermostats, burners, heating elements, blown fuses, and burned out pilot lights. In addition, the water heater itself may be too small for the hot water needs of the home. For more information on water heaters, contact a plumbing supply store or a plumber.
