There's nothing worse than jumping in the shower on a cold morning, turning the tap, and getting a blast of icy water when you're expecting a lovely hot stream. Or maybe you've noticed the water coming out of your taps is way too hot and steamy.

Nine times out of ten, the culprit for these dramas is a tiny, hardworking device you've probably never even seen, hidden behind the access panel of your hot water system: the hot water thermostat.

So, What's the Go with a Hot Water Thermostat?

In simple terms, the hot water thermostat is the brain of your electric hot water system. It’s a temperature-sensitive switch that constantly measures the temperature of the water inside the tank.

Its job is to tell the electric heating element when to turn on and when to turn off.

• When the water cools down (like after you've had a shower), the thermostat senses the temperature drop and tells the element, "Righto, get to work!"
• Once the water heats up to the set temperature, the thermostat says, "Sweet, job done, have a break," and switches the element off.

The 60-Degree Rule: A Critical Safety Job

The thermostat's role isn't just about comfort; it's a fair dinkum critical health and safety device.

In Australia, the law requires that the water in your storage hot water system is kept at a minimum of 60°C. This is to kill off harmful bacteria, most notably Legionella, which can thrive in lukewarm water. The hot water thermostat is the component responsible for ensuring the water is always stored at this safe, hygienic temperature.

Signs Your Hot Water Thermostat is on the Fritz

When a thermostat starts to play up, it usually fails in one of two ways.

• No Hot Water at All: This is the most common sign. The thermostat has likely failed in the 'off' position and isn't telling the heating element to turn on.
• Water is Scalding Hot or Steaming: This is a very dangerous one. It means the thermostat is stuck in the 'on' position and is boiling the water in the tank. This can be a serious scalding risk and puts a huge strain on your system.
• Hot Water Runs Out Super Quickly: This can mean the thermostat is faulty and switching the element off before the water is fully heated.

A Job for a Licensed Professional, No Questions Asked

Let's be crystal clear. Replacing a hot water thermostat involves opening up your hot water unit and working directly with 240V electrical components right next to a tank full of water. This is an extremely dangerous job and is absolutely not for DIYers.

This work must be carried out by a licensed plumber or a licensed electrician who is qualified and legally permitted to work on hot water systems. They have the training, testing equipment, and expertise to do the job safely and correctly. Don't risk it, mate.

A safe and reliable hot water system depends on high-quality, durable components that are installed professionally. This is why professional installers and tradespeople only use trade-quality replacement parts from trusted suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of a wide range of electrical components, including high-quality replacement hot water thermostats and heating elements for most major brands. They provide the reliable, compliant gear that a qualified professional needs to get your hot water system back up and running safely and efficiently. For a repair that's done right and built to last, the pros use quality components from a supplier like Schnap Electric.