What do a hot water system’s element and thermostat do?
Electric storage hot water systems are fitted with an electric resistance heating element which is submerged in the water of the tank. These elements can also be found in solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems. The element is usually paired with a thermostat designed to read the temperature of the tank. If the tank is at or above the preset temperature, no power will be sent to the element.
If the tank is colder than the preset temperature, the thermostat will send power to the element to heat the water.
There is a secondary high limit shut-off on the thermostat which will cut power to the element if the tank overheats too much and the thermostat’s primary cut-off has not engaged. Most hot water systems use a 3.6kW electric resistance heating element.
How do I know if my element and thermostat are working?
Most vertical hot water tanks will have a raised plastic or metal cover on the lower-half of the storage tank which contains the element and thermostat. On roof-mounted solar systems like Solarhart, Edwards or Rheem Hiline solar hot water systems, the element and thermostat are located in one of the ends of the horizontal tank. On some products, like the Stiebel Eltron heat pump, the element can be found in the top of the storage tank, just under the compressor.
Twin element hot water systems
Some domestic hot water systems have two elements and two thermostats. In this case a second element cover will be located towards the top of the storage tank above the lower element cover.
There are a few things that can go wrong with the heating element and thermostat. The rubber gasket around the element can perish and breakdown, which can lead to a leaking tank. The element itself can corrode over time and short itself out. The thermostat can burn out or the tank can get too hot and trip the high limit cut-off on the thermostat.
The symptoms to look for are a tripped breaker for the hot water at your electrical switchboard, burnt electrical smells, water leaking from the element cover (usually a raised cover towards the bottom, but sometimes middle of the tank for solar hot water systems), or cold water coming from your hot taps.
How 6 Star Hot Water & Plumbing can help with your hot water system’s element and thermostat
Like most other parts on your hot water system, we recommend replacing your element and thermostat every 5 years to ensure smooth operation. This can be done as part of our recommended 5-year hot water servicing. We do not recommend opening the element cover yourself as there are live electrical wires and possibly water inside.
We also recommend replacing the element and thermostat as a pair, because they work as a unit. While old age and general wear and tear can lead to the decline of your element or thermostat, there can also be an underlying or bigger problem. While on site we like to check for other issues and can advise you if there is anything else of concern.
Call a qualified plumber on 0448844911 for all your hot water needs in Canberra and Queanbeyan.
Elements and thermostats for Dux, Rheem, Vulcan and most electric storage hot water systems
Most electric storage hot water systems are fitted with a 3.6kW element and a thermostat. The thermostat is designed to cut power to the element if the tank gets too hot and must be reset before it allows power to reach the element again. When a high limit shut off happens, there is usually something more going on in the background, so it’s recommended to call a qualified plumber with electrical qualifications to investigate.
Elements and thermostats for Apricus, Edwards, Rheem, Solahart and most solar hot water systems
Due to the very high-water temperatures that can be produced by solar hot water systems, a solar rated thermostat should be installed on your system. When the high limit shut off occurs, these thermostats will automatically reset and allow power to reach the heating element once the tank has cooled enough. If the water regularly heats to very high temperatures, a solar thermostat stops the need to constantly reset your hot water system’s electric booster.
Steibel Eltron heat pump elements and thermostats
Steibel Eltron us proprietary elements and thermostats in their heat pump hot water systems. They are found in the top of the storage tank, underneath the compressor/heat exchanger and are prone to leaking and shorting out the system.
Hot water system brands we repair
- Apricus – element and thermostat
- Aquamax – element and thermostat
- Beasley – element and thermostat
- Chromagen – element and thermostat
- Conergy – element and thermostat
- Dux – element and thermostat
- Edwards – element and thermostat
- Everhot – element and thermostat
- EvoHeat – element and thermostat
- Hills – element and thermostat
- iStore – element and thermostat
- Kelvinator – element and thermostat
- Quantum – element not required
- Reclaim – element not required
- Rheem – element and thermostat
- Rinnai – element and thermostat
- Solahart – element and thermostat
- SolarArk – element and thermostat
- Stiebel Eltron – element and thermostat
- Thermann – element and thermostat
- Vulcan – element and thermostat
What is in the bottom panel of a hot water heater?
On an electric storage hot water heater, the bottom panel contains the element and thermostat. On a gas storage hot water heater, the bottom panel contains the pilot light, thermocouple, igniter/ sparker, gas control valve, combustion chamber and burner train.
How do I adjust my hot water thermostat?
A hot water thermostat should only be adjusted by someone who is licensed to undertake electrical works. Our team members have restricted electrical licenses and are qualified to work on all parts of your electric hot water system.