The Ultimate DIY Guide to Checking Your Water Heater Temperature

Some like it hot.

Too hot or not hot enough? Measure your hot water temperature with this fast and simple DIY.

---

How to Check Your Water Heater Temperature

Have you ever wondered if your water heater is set to the right temperature? You might be surprised to learn that it's a critical factor for both your family's safety and your monthly utility bills.

Fortunately, you don’t need to call in a professional to check it. With a few simple tools and this easy-to-follow guide, you can find your water heater’s true temperature in minutes.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

First things first, let's get organized. You’ll need a few common items from your kitchen.

• A saucepan

• A glass or a mug

• A meat or candy thermometer

Step 2: Calibrate Your Thermometer

Accuracy is key. Before you test your water heater, you need to make sure your thermometer is giving you a correct reading. You can do this with either boiling water or with ice.

Method A: The Boiling Water Test

1. Fill your saucepan about halfway with tap water.

2. Bring the water to a full, rolling boil on the stove.

3. Carefully insert the end of the thermometer into the water.

4. Wait for the temperature to stabilize, but do not let the tip touch the bottom or sides of the pan.

Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level. If your thermometer reads 212°F, it’s accurate. If it’s off by a few degrees, you can use that difference to adjust your final reading.

Safety First: Be extra careful with the boiling water. Use a potholder to prevent steam burns.

Method B: The Ice Water Test

1. Fill your glass with crushed ice and add a small amount of cold water—just enough to fill the gaps between the ice.

2. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds.

3. Carefully insert the end of the thermometer into the ice water.

4. Wait for the temperature to stabilize, but do not let the tip touch the sides or bottom of the glass.

The freezing point of water is 32°F (0°C). If your thermometer reads 32°F, it's accurate.

Important: You must use crushed ice, not ice cubes. Ice cubes have a large surface area and may not chill the water evenly enough for an accurate reading.

Step 3: Measure Your Water Temperature

Now for the main event!

1. Go to the faucet furthest from your water heater. Measuring at the furthest point ensures the water has had time to cool down as it travels through the pipes, giving you the real-world minimum temperature you're getting. Or for convenience use your kitchen faucet.

2. Run the hot water for a few minutes to clear any water that might have been sitting in the pipes and raise the temperature of the pipes. This ensures you're getting a true reading from the tank.

3. Fill a glass or mug with the running hot water.

4. Let the temperature of the glass equalize for about 30 seconds.

5. Carefully insert the thermometer into the center of the water. Do not let the tip touch the sides or bottom of the glass.

6. Wait for the temperature to stabilize.

The thermometer should now display your hot water temperature. The temperature recommended by most public health and energy efficiency experts for water heaters is 122°F (50°C). It's hot enough to kill harmful bacteria like Legionella while being cool enough to prevent scalding and keep your energy bills in check.

What to Do if Your Temperature is Off

• If it's too high: A high temperature wastes energy and increases the risk of scalding. Find the temperature dial on your water heater and carefully turn it down.

• If it's too low: A low temperature can be a sign of a problem and could allow bacteria to grow. Turn the dial up to the recommended temperature.

Adjust your temperature dial in small increments, wait a few hours, and then re-test to make sure you've found the perfect setting.

Checking your hot water temperature is a quick and easy DIY project. Watch the video for step by step instructions.