mine has a "dial" style thermostat looking thing by the drain valve
A sewage smell coming from your hot water heater could be caused by bacteria growing in the tank, which can produce a foul odor. This can happen if the water heater temperature is set too low or if there is a buildup of sediment in the tank. Flushing the tank and increasing the temperature can help eliminate the smell.
The sinks may be using a tankless hot water system (the water is heated while it's in the pipes, as you use it. Check to see that your hot water tank is turned on and set to the correct temperature. It's probably either turned off or set to 'vacation' mode, which means it isn't heating the water. Once the tank is set correctly, you'll have to wait 20 minutes to an hour before the tank can heat the water to its correct temperature, depending on the age and type of hot water heater.
A water tank can be used for the storage or transportation of water. A hot water tank is used to heat water and keep it at a set temperature until it is needed. Water tanks can also be used to provide an emergency water supply to areas that have had storms or natural disasters.
Hot water heaters (tank/storage type) have a supply line connected to your city or well water. The heater is either on or off depending on the temperature you set on that device. You will not hurt the system as it is designed to constantly heat the water until the temperature is raised to your set point. So the answer is that it neither hurts or helps you HWH.
Hot water tanks have a dial that can be adjusted from a warm temperature to a very hot temperature. The dial is clearly marked with temperature ranges, in numbers. You'd simply turn the dial to a new setting and the hot water tank will make the adjustment in how much it heats the water. Most experts recommend lowering the home's water temperature to save money and to prevent hot water burns. During summer months when a family is on vacation, you can set the hot water tank to the lower heat setting to save several dollars in natural gas or electricity costs.
Your hot water heater may be running even when you're not using hot water because it is working to maintain the set temperature of the water in the tank. This is a normal function of the heater to ensure that hot water is readily available when you need it.
"A water heater stores water in a tank and heats the water with a flame at the bottom. The hot water rises to the top of the tank, while the colder water falls to the bottom near the heat source." A water heater is simply a tank of water with a heat source at the bottom. It can be set to a certain temperature and is dispersed throughout the home through the water infrastructure.
On a 240 volt hot water tank there is only one of the two elements on at any one time. The incoming cold water is taken to the bottom of the tank through a pipe inside the tank. When the lower thermostat senses the cold water, the lower element turns on. As you draw hot water from the top of the tank the cooler water from the bottom will rise. When the top thermostat senses the cool water it shuts off the bottom element and turns on the top element. When this water is heated to the tank set point it shuts off and the lower element turns on to heat the rest of the water. When the total tank temperature is at the set point all elements turn off. By using this type of procedure there is always hot water at the top of the tank for use.
The temperature of hot water should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety and comfort.
To properly connect a hot water tank for safe and efficient operation, follow these steps: Turn off the power and water supply to the tank. Connect the hot water outlet pipe to the tank. Connect the cold water inlet pipe to the tank. Install a pressure relief valve to prevent over-pressurization. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Turn on the power and set the temperature to a safe level. Regularly maintain and inspect the tank for optimal performance.
An in home dishwasher is normally connected directly to the hot water supply. The water temperature set on the hot water heater will be the same as the water temperature in the dishwasher. Normal hot water heater temps are around 120 - 140 degrees dependent upon how high the hot water heater is set at.
The recommended temperature for hot water in your home is 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and save energy.