Rheem Overheating / Thermostat Out of Calibration

Rheem water heater hot water is too hot, risking scalding

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Thermostat set too high, Stuck thermostat contacts, Faulty gas control valve, Mixing valve malfunction

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: High water temperature can cause severe burns, especially to children and elderly.

  • Measure temperature: Use a thermometer at the nearest faucet to measure hot water temperature.
  • Adjust thermostat: Set the thermostat or gas control knob to 120°F–125°F and wait several hours, then recheck.
  • Check mixing valve: If a thermostatic mixing valve is installed, ensure it is set correctly and not stuck.
  • Replace faulty controls: If temperature remains high despite low settings, replace the thermostat (electric) or gas control valve (gas).
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Thermostat / Gas Control Valve
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