Dometic water heater scalding hot

[echastain500]

I have a 2022 Forester 2861DSF. First trip out this year the water heater is producing extremely hot water. I can’t find anywhere to adjust the temperature. Any ideas?

[cmulvey]

I don't believe they can be adjusted on the water heater itself. Adjustment is via mix with cold water.

[echastain500]

Is this done at the water heater side? Or do you adjust the mix at the faucet. Previously the water temperature was fine.

[cmulvey]

Originally Posted by echastain500

Is this done at the water heater side? Or do you adjust the mix at the faucet. Previously the water temperature was fine.

Mix is done at the faucet side.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by echastain500

Is this done at the water heater side? Or do you adjust the mix at the faucet. Previously the water temperature was fine.

... but this is an important addition to the case as presented.

[1100mike]

Does it work the same on both electric and gas?

[cmulvey]

I saw that as well Mr. Dan however previously they stated, "First trip out this year the water heater is producing extremely hot water."

Bottom line is, which one is it? I think that we need further clarification from the OP.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by cmulvey

I saw that as well Mr. Dan however previously they stated, "First trip out this year the water heater is producing extremely hot water."

Bottom line is, which one is it? I think that we need further clarification from the OP.

Consider this possibility: it produced normally hot water all of last year but the first trip this year, the water was too hot.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by 1100mike

Does it work the same on both electric and gas?

This is an important distinction since each power source has its own unique high-temp (but non-adjustable) thermostat if I remember correctly - or maybe I'm just remembering a Suburban heater.

[Bob K4TAX]

Our water heater produces extremely hot water. One has to be VERY careful with the faucets and shower adjustments. Just add cold water mix at the faucet.

By the way, the hotter the water from the heater, the less hot water is used, thus longer showers, etc.

To my understanding, there is NO temperature adjustment on the water heater.

Bob

[echastain500]

I have only used the electric side to heat the water - I will give the propane side a try to see if the water heats differently. All of my previous trips I used the electric and did not get scalding water.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by echastain500

I have a 2022 Forester 2861DSF. First trip out this year the water heater is producing extremely hot water. I can’t find anywhere to adjust the temperature. Any ideas?

On the Forester’s Dometic water heater, you can install an adjustable thermostat on the water heater to replace the fixed temperature sensor. I have done so on my current 2020 Sunseeker, as I also did on my 1995 Tioga with Atwood water heater. I feel the default temperature setting on these heaters is dangerously hot. Installing the adjustable thermostat was one of the immediate modifications I did on the new Sunseeker.

The one thermostat will control the temperature for both the propane and electric heat. I use electric heat probably 98% of the time, but I experience the same water temperature on either energy source. Be aware that if you set the temperature too low, you’ll be using relatively more water from your heater tank and potentially run out of hot water sooner. So, find a happy setting that gives you adequately hot water, but not scaldingly hot. This thermostat has settings labeled simply A through F, so you’ll need to play with it a little to get the desired temperature setting.

Here is the kit (Atwood 93105 Adjustable Electronic Thermostat) and a source: https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-93105-...%2C1451&sr=8-2

Also below is a picture of said adjustable thermostat installed on my Dometic water heater. OP did not specify WH model number but the schematic may look like that shown below. Note there is only one temperature control thermostat that serves both gas and electric heat. To verify, check schematic applicable to your exact WH model.

[echastain500]

Thanks! Will order this now and replace. I do like the hot water for the shower as I have yet to run out, but having a kid get burned is not worth the risk. I appreciate your help!

[aircommuter]

You could also install an adjustable tempering valve at the water heater output. This actually can save water because there isn’t any playing around to get the temperature you want. That way you still have the same total capacity of hot water.