State Select Gas Water Heater Thermostat Replacement [Ultimate Guide]
This is a complete guide on State Select Gas Water Heater Thermostat Replacement.
From this article, you can learn how to replace the gas control valve/thermostat like a pro. And the best part is- you can save up to $200 as you don’t need to hire a plumber.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- State Select Gas Water Heater Thermostat Replacement [A Step-by-Step Procedure]
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Gas Water Heater Thermostat?
- FAQs
- End-Note
State Select Gas Water Heater Thermostat Replacement [A Step-by-Step Procedure]
This chapter will break down how to replace the gas water heater control valve into three stages.
1. The Preparation
Before removing the gas control valve or thermostat, ensure you complete the following tasks:
- Set the temperature dial on the gas control valve/thermostat to the lowest settings.
- Position the gas control or temperature knob to Off.
- Ensure you turn off the gas supply to the unit at the manual gas shut-off valve. You can get this valve beside the water heater.
- Take the front cover out by pressing in at the left side of the cover and pull it away from your water heater.
- Drain your water heater.
2. Removing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
Now, it’s time to remove the old or defective gas control valve/thermostat from the unit. And this chapter will walk you through every step to take the gas control valve out of the water heater.
1. To begin with, disconnect the igniter with the igniter bracket. In this case, slide a ¼” flat head screwdriver behind the top of the igniter bracket and pull away it gently to let the igniter hang freely off to the side of the unit.
2. Detach the actuator flex line from the actuator fitting. Regarding this, use a 9/16” wrench to grip the actuator fitting attached to the gas valve. Now, get another 9/16” wrench to unfasten and remove the flex line nut off from the actuator fitting.
3. Remove the actuator fitting out of the water heater using a 9/16” wrench.
4. This time pull out the following three connections that lead into the gas control valve or thermostat:
- Pilot tube using a 7/16” wrench
- Thermocouple using a ⅜” wrench
- Manifold tube using a ¾” wrench
5. Disconnect both wire connectors at the thermal switch.
6. Detach the ground joint union in the gas piping. Also, disconnect the remaining piping from the White Rogers thermostat or gas control valve.
8. Finally, thread a 4” section of gas pipe into the inlet to turn the gas control valve counterclockwise and remove it by hand once it comes loose.
3. Installing The New Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
Finally, it’s time to install a new gas control valve/thermostat. Double-check the replacement part you get is right. Then, move forward to put together the new gas control valve:
1. Install the replacement part into the water heater. Just thread a 4” section of gas pipe into the gas inlet side of the gas control valve. Then, turn the gas control valve clockwise until it fits snugly.
Pro Tips: Don’t forget to apply approved thread sealant tape or joint compound on the gas inlet piping connections and the fitting on the back of the gas control valve.
Never under tighten or over tighten the gas control valve. It will either cause a water leak or bring damage to the valve.
2. Refill your water heater by turning the cold water supply valve on.
3. Install the gas manifold tube to the gas control valve with the help of a ¾” wrench.
4. Unfasten the included ferrule nut from the new gas control valve using a 7/16” wrench and remount the ferrule nut used on the old gas control valve.
5. Install and tighten the thermocouple nut by hand. Then, use a 3/8” wrench to tighten the nut slightly like turning the nut an additional ¼ turn.
6. From the new gas control valve/thermostat, pull out the allen socket plug and install the actuator fitting using a 9/16” wrench.
7. Put the igniter with the igniter bracket back into its place and reconnect both the wires that lead into the thermal switch.
8. Replace the actuator flex line to the actuator fitting using a 9/16” wrench.
9. Finally, check for leaks once you connect everything to the gas control thermostat.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Gas Water Heater Thermostat?
When it comes to the cost of replacing a gas water heater thermostat, you should take several things into consideration.
For example, you should consider the price of the replacement part and the labor cost.
The part itself will cost you between $100 to $300.
On the other hand, you need to count another $45 to $250 per hour, depending on the location where you live.
In short, it will cost you around $150 to $450 to replace the gas water heater thermostat or control valve professionally.
On the flip side, you can save up to $200 if you perform this replacement task yourself.
Fortunately, Angi has a detailed guide on Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement Cost. You can read that article here to learn more about this.
FAQs
Can you replace the thermostat on a gas water heater?
Yes, you can replace the thermostat on a gas water heater by yourself. The step-by-step procedure I mentioned in this article will help you do that, which will save you up to $200.
Are gas water heater thermostats universal?
No, gas water heater thermostats are not universal. A water heater thermostat will be different depending on the type of fuel the water heater recommends.
I recommend you check the following screenshot when shopping for a water heater thermostat for your State Select Water Heater:
Do you have to turn off the power to replace a thermostat?
Yes, you need to turn off the power to replace a thermostat as it involves dealing with gas or electricity.
Do you have to drain a hot water heater to change the thermostat?
Professionals highly recommend you to drain a hot water heater to change the thermostat. Otherwise, it can make the replacement procedure messy because of water leaks.
How long does it take for hot water to go through after replacing the thermostat?
Once you replace the thermostat successfully and refill the unit, it will take up to an hour to get hot water out of the water heater.
End-Note
You don’t need to hire a professional and spend $250 to $240 to replace the gas water heater thermostat.
Just follow the step-by-step procedure I broke down above and get the gas control valve replaced.
Happy Plumbing!
Read Also:
Eric Alvarez is the head of content on LilDutchUncle.Com. He is an HVAC guy based in El Paso, Texas, United States. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Texas at El Paso. Years of experience in the HVAC field have taught him many lessons, not the least of which is that the value of quality and knowledge far exceeds any promised initial savings. He has a good standing reputation for superior skills in heating, air conditioning, hot water tanks, and indoor air quality systems.
