Why is My Water Heater Too Hot?

Gas Valve and Thermostat Assembly
The thermostat determines the maximum water temperature setting. If the thermostat is defective, the water temperature may not be set at the proper level. To determine if the thermostat is defective, assess the hot water temperature from the nearest faucet. If the water temperature is hotter than the selected thermostat setting, this indicates that the thermostat is defective. If the thermostat is defective, replace the gas valve and thermostat assembly. We recommend a set temperature of 120 degrees or fewer to prevent the risk of scalding.

Heating Element
If the heating element is shorted out, it will heat continuously, causing the water to get too hot. To determine if the heating element is shorted out, use a multimeter to test if the element is shorted to the ground. If a heating element is shorted out, replace it.

Thermostat
The thermostat determines the maximum water temperature setting. If the thermostat is defective, the water temperature may not be set at the proper level. To determine if the thermostat is defective, assess the hot water temperature from the nearest faucet. If the water temperature is hotter than the selected thermostat setting, this indicates that the thermostat is defective. If the thermostat is defective, replace the thermostat. We recommend a set temperature of 120 degrees or fewer to prevent the risk of scalding.

SOURCE: https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Water-Heater/176---/Water-Heater-Too-Hot

Why is My Water Heater Too Hot?

Gas Valve and Thermostat Assembly
The thermostat determines the maximum water temperature setting. If the thermostat is defective, the water temperature may not be set at the proper level. To determine if the thermostat is defective, assess the hot water temperature from the nearest faucet. If the water temperature is hotter than the selected thermostat setting, this indicates that the thermostat is defective. If the thermostat is defective, replace the gas valve and thermostat assembly. We recommend a set temperature of 120 degrees or fewer to prevent the risk of scalding.

Heating Element
If the heating element is shorted out, it will heat continuously, causing the water to get too hot. To determine if the heating element is shorted out, use a multimeter to test if the element is shorted to the ground. If a heating element is shorted out, replace it.

Thermostat
The thermostat determines the maximum water temperature setting. If the thermostat is defective, the water temperature may not be set at the proper level. To determine if the thermostat is defective, assess the hot water temperature from the nearest faucet. If the water temperature is hotter than the selected thermostat setting, this indicates that the thermostat is defective. If the thermostat is defective, replace the thermostat. We recommend a set temperature of 120 degrees or fewer to prevent the risk of scalding.

SOURCE: https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Water-Heater/176---/Water-Heater-Too-Hot