Are you having trouble getting your water heater to work? Is it throwing an error or shutting off unexpectedly? You might have a faulty thermal switch. Fortunately, there is a way around this common problem: bypassing the thermal switch on your Water Heater.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes a malfunctioning thermal switch and how to bypass thermal switch on water heater so that you can get hot water back in your home with minimal fuss. Keep reading for all of the details!
What Causes Malfunctions Thermal Switch on Water Heater
The thermal switch is a key component of your water heater, as it helps to keep the heating element from overheating. If the switch fails or becomes damaged, it can cause your water heater to shut down unexpectedly and even start throwing errors. This can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient!
Common causes of a faulty thermal switch include dirt, dust, and other debris build-ups on the switch, electrical surges or shorts in the wiring, or a defective part.
Fortunately, it is possible to bypass the thermal switch on your water heater if it is malfunctioning. This involves disconnecting the two wires that are connected to it and then connecting them to each other directly. This bypasses the switch, allowing you to get your hot water back up and running again.
Things to Consider Before Bypassing Thermal Switch
Before you attempt to bypass the thermal switch, it is important to consider a few things. First, you should make sure that it is actually the thermal switch that is causing your water heater problems and not something else. If the switch is not to blame, then bypassing it could be dangerous and cause even bigger issues. Remember to always use caution when working with electrical components in your home.
Also, bypassing the thermal switch is only a temporary solution to the problem and does not address the underlying issue. It is best to contact a professional who can inspect and repair the faulty component as soon as possible.
Required Items
Before you begin bypassing the thermal switch, make sure that you have all of the required items. This includes a pair of wire cutters or strippers, electrical tape, and 2 short pieces of insulated wire.
10 Steps on How to Bypass Thermal Switch on Water Heater
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to your water heater and unplug it from the wall. Make sure to check that the power is off by flipping the breaker switch or checking for a light on the control panel. The panel should be off, and you should not be able to reset it.
2. Locate the Thermal Switch
The thermal switch is usually located on the side or back of the water heater near the bottom. Use a flashlight and examine the area carefully until you find it. You may need to remove a panel or two in order to access it.
3. Cut or Strip the Wires
Once you have located the thermal switch, use a pair of wire cutters or strippers to carefully cut or strip the wires that are connected to it. Make sure not to damage any other components in the process.
4. Connect the Wires Together
Take two short pieces of insulated wire and twist them together. This will create a bridge between the two wires that were connected to the thermal switch. Make sure that all of the exposed metal is covered with electrical tape for safety reasons.
5. Turn On the Power
Turn on the power to your water heater again and check for any errors or issues that may have been caused by the bypass. Make sure that all of the components are functioning properly before proceeding.
6. Test the Water Heater
Turn on a hot water tap in your home and wait for it to reach its maximum temperature. If there is no hot water, check the wiring around the thermal switch and make sure that everything is connected correctly.
7. Adjust the Temperature
If all is working correctly, you can adjust the temperature to your desired setting and test it again. Make sure that there are no leaks or other issues with the water heater before using it again. The temperature should now be set to what you specified.
8. Monitor for Any Issues
Regularly monitor the water heater for any errors or signs of damage. Remember that bypassing the thermal switch is only a temporary solution and will need to be addressed by a professional as soon as possible.
9. Contact a Professional
If you are still having issues with your water heater, contact a professional who can inspect and repair it for you. A qualified technician will have the necessary training, experience, and tools to safely work on your water heater.
10. Turn Off the Power
Once everything is fixed, turn off the power and unplug the water heater again before you leave. This will help ensure that no further issues arise in the future.
By following these steps, you can successfully bypass a thermal switch on your water heater and get it running again. However, it is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution, and the underlying issue should be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent any further damage. Contact a professional if you are unsure of how to proceed or if you are having any issues with your water heater.
8 Maintenance Tips
1. Always turn off the power to the water heater before attempting any type of repair or maintenance. Don’t assume the power is off until you’ve checked it with a voltmeter or other type of electrical tester.
2. Look for corrosion on the wiring, terminals, and heater casing prior to starting any repair work. Corrosion can be caused by age, water conditions, or other environmental factors that frequently affect water heaters.
3. Inspect the thermal switch carefully for signs of damage. It’s important to identify the type of switch being used because bypassing a single-pole, or three-pole switch requires different methods.
4. Use pliers to remove the retaining clip from the heater’s thermostat housing and disconnect the thermal switch wires from their terminals. The two wires may be connected with a wire nut or other type of connector.
5. Connect the heater’s thermostat wires to a bypass switch that has been wired in the same way as the original thermal switch (if applicable). This will allow you to control the temperature of the water without having to use the thermal switch.
6. If a single-pole switch is being bypassed, connect the two wires that were removed from the thermal switch to a double-pole bypass switch. This will allow the heater to be controlled with both a thermostat and a manual override.
7. Test the new wiring configuration carefully with an electrical tester before turning on the power. Make sure all connections are secure and that the heater is running correctly.
8. Make sure to keep the area around the water heater clean and free of debris. If possible, use a shop vac to remove any dirt buildup around the thermostat or other electrical components. This will help ensure the proper functioning of the heater and prevent future issues.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can easily bypass a thermal switch on your water heater and keep it running smoothly for many years. It’s important to remember the safety precautions outlined above when performing any type of repair or maintenance work. Taking the time to properly maintain your heater will save you money in the long run and help ensure that your unit remains in top condition.
How Often Do I Have to Change the Thermal Switch?
Typically, the thermal switch should be inspected and replaced every three to five years. If your water heater is used more frequently, you may need to replace the switch sooner. It’s also important to check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the wires or terminals of the thermal switch, as this can cause major damage if not addressed immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to bypass the thermal switch on a water heater is a great skill to have. This knowledge can help you save money because it allows you to replace parts of your water heater instead of discarding the entire unit if anything goes wrong. Not only that, but learning how to bypass the thermal switch has added benefits like improving energy efficiency, helping with repairs and upkeep, and increasing the life expectancy of your hot water system.
All in all, if you want to extend the life of your water heater and save money in the long run, this simple step on how to bypass thermal switch on water heater should definitely be something you consider doing. With some practice and patience, bypassing a thermal switch can become increasingly easy and effective over time – make sure to consult an experienced professional when in doubt!
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