water heater water gets too hot... HELP?

Question

I currently have a water heater that has a dual capability to heat the house.  Here is what is happening...

I set the thermostat to around 120, but it doesnt stay at 120. by the end of the day the water is around 140-150 and it causes the t&p valve to let go of a few gallons of water into my garage.
if i set the thermostat to the lowest setting, when i wake up the water is about 80 degrees but gradually goes to about 140 again by 6pm and the same thing happens with the t&p valve.

I replaced the electric thermostat but it still has the same problem. It is a bradford white with a single electric thermostat opening on the bottom, but uses gas to heat the water and send hot water through the air exchange to heat the house.. is there anything else I can check.. anyone.??? I called a local plumber but they had no idea of that kind of tank. go figure.

ffemt6347 · Accepted Answer

Not familiar with this exact appliance, but since your thermostat is on the bottom, you may have some problems with sediment in the tank. This usually causes water temp to be too low but it's worth checking. You may also want to verify the new thermostat, I have had bad ones straight out of the package. The only other thing is the gas valve... these usually have multiple safeties, but I guess it could be sticking. Hope this helps.

boiledcrabs · Answer

There is probably a high limit shut off that is failing. Call a local plumbing supply and talk with someone there about it. I'm not talking about the local Home Depot. Look in the yellow pages and find the place where all the plumbers go to buy materials. They will talk with you and have the knowledge and books to tell you which part has failed.

I'm glad your pop off is working.

Of course it's best to get a pro out to work on it.

Anonymous · Answer

Boy thats a new one on me. 
Maybe you are setting the wrong temp control.  Your water temp for use in the home should be 110 - 120.  The temp for the heat system should be 170 - 190.  This would require 2 separate tanks and blow-off valves. Potable (drinking) water systems can and should never be mixed with im-potable (heating) water systems.

MathBioMajor · Answer

Call the local utility that provides your gas.  It should be able to provide advice on what to do.  Many even offer to do free energy evaluations on your home to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, so you should be able to have a representative come to your home for a personal inspection.  They may recommend it's time to retool and upgrade to a newer style water heater.  It may cost a bit, but at least you will have the peace of mind that it won't start acting crazily on you and nearly scald you to death while showering.  Also, newer model water heaters will actually pay for themselves in energy savings within a few years.

flashmp1 · Answer

try checking the water pressure into your house... i would gather to say that the pressure is too high in your house.. it should be around 60 psi any higher and you have pressure problems..... some tanks in high pressure areas need a expansion tank on thetre hot water tank for high pressure areas... or the tank is old and theres alot of sediment in the tank..

Tim C · Answer

If the temperature sensor is separate from the thermostat it could be the culprit.

William B · Answer

if your useing it to heat the house maby the house thermostat is calling for heat ?

Edward S · Answer

How old is your water heater?  It sounds like you need to get it serviced.

tom the plumber · Answer

not to be a wiseguy did you read ops manual?or call the 880 #

Anonymous · Answer

Turn the knob down a little lower if it's running that much more warm. Turning it down 10 degrees below where you want it should make it perfect.

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water heater water gets too hot... HELP?

10 Answers