water heater switch

[wingerphil]

Is the switch on the outside of the water heater (for the electric element) a dealer only part or can it be picked up elsewhere?

I thought my element was out since the water suddenly only heated to luke warm. Changed it out today with a new element and still only gets luke warm. I researched here and saw where several of you have had to replace the switch and this seems like the next logical step. Where did you get the replacement?

Thanks,

Phil

[H. John Kohl]

Phil,
I got mine from Ace Hardware I think. I recommend pulling the switch out. Remember to disconnect power to be safe. Check the contacts with a volt ohm meter. There are two reset buttons hidden behind the rubber cover too. Good luck. Let us know how it comes out.

[wingerphil]

John,

I noticed the reset buttons and the rubber covers over mine are cracked. What are these buttons? I pushed them but they didn't seem to move or do anything.

[H. John Kohl]

Those buttons are Breaker rest buttons. I would agree with you that it is the switch. Just ohm it out to verify. I had to replace mine.

[racerjoe]

I went online and found it through one of the mail order places. did a search on brand and parts breakdown, I think it was about 10 dollars. But since I have CRS I cant remember who I bought it from :-)

[awaywego]

You may find it is the thermostat that is bad. If it was the switch bad it should not heat on elect at all. There are two thermostats behind the rubber resets. One is for gas and the other is for elect.. The resets are for reseting the thermostats if they overheat and trip off.
If you need one they make two different temps. and I think the right one is 140 degrees.

[5ER]

Now all they need to do is add a temperature switch that protects the electrical heater from burning up.
Phil, seems funny that it would heat the water to luke warm. I would think you would have lots of heat or none at all.