A couple of hot water heater questions

With the newly gained knowledge from this forum, I spent some time this evening trying to figure out the mysteries of my hot water heater.  I checked for loose/corroded connections and everything seemed good.  I turned on the hot water heater and the burner ignited right away as always.  The piezo ignitor remained clicking as it has in the past.  Upon further looking, I found that the end of the piezo ignitor was too far out of the main flow of the flame.  I gave a gentle push on the bracket holding the ignitor, and the sparking stopped.  The picture shows the position of the ignitor after I made the very minor adjustment.  I suspect the electronic module is still sending a signal for a spark, but it cannot occur when it is in the flow of the flame.  To check my theory, I shut off the gas valve at the propane tank while the burner was on.  As the pressure died down, the flame went out and the ignitor immediately started sparking.  As soon as I turned the propane valve back on, the flame re-ignited.  One problem solved!

I then left the hot water heater on so I could get a temperature measurement as Joe suggested.  I used an infrared thermometer I purchased years ago that I have found to provide reliable temperature measurements.  It took a while but when the burner turned off due to the thermostat, I checked the temperature.  I did this by filling a cup of water from the kitchen faucet and taking a measurement.  It measured 152 degrees.  Too hot for us!  I have the adjustable thermostat on order, it should arrive next week.

I hope this information is helpful to others.  Thanks again for everyone's great advice!

JJ

JJ, I am glad you found on your own, the trouble with the ignition always clicking.  And it does sound too hot for safety sake.  I think we all understand better as to your complaint about the hot water.  152 degrees seems crazy hot.

I also agree with the wicked hot 152 degree concern. I suggest you call the hot water heater manufacturer and ask what the preset temperature is supposed to be. Yours might be out of wack. Your post made me wonder about the effect of that temperature on the plumbing but a quick check of the internet pulled up this information (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/what-is-the-maximum-safe-pex-tube-temperature) on PEX tubing which is what I THINK Phoenix uses:

Maximum Safe Temperature

The tube can withstand a maximum heat temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit for applications for heating. In a plumbing project, the PEX is able to stand a maximum heat of up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually, the highest temperature limitation is listed on the PEX tubing in small prints. All of the PEX tubing systems are tested, and you can use them with the standard P and T relief valves, which are able to be used at 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

The corners and connections are brass piping so no worries there.

I have the adjustable hot water heater thermostat installed.  Easy installation (picture and instructions in photos).  I checked the hot water heater, still no clicking, and at the lowest setting the temperature was 110 degrees when the burner turned off.   

 

I can dial the temperature up from this point.   Ready for our next trip!   

JJ

Nice!

What was the cost?

Nice!

What was the cost?

Ron, I bought the new thermostat on EBAY for $23.09 plus $5.89 shipping/handling.  I wonder if you have 2 thermostats on yours, one for propane and one for electric?  Or maybe one controls both?

Thanks,

JJ

Affordable enough.  I'll give it some thought.

Thanks!