Having a hot water heater timer can be convenient for saving energy, but annoying when you want hot water outside of the programmed ‘on’ periods. If you need hot water and find yourself waiting around for the tank to heat back up, it’s time to bypass that timer for continuous hot water access.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Turn the timer dial to the ‘on’ position or flip the override switch to bypass the timer and keep the heating elements on continuously. Just remember to switch it back when done.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the different types of hot water heater timers, reasons for bypassing them temporarily, steps to override the programming for major brands, setting it back to normal when finished, and tips for minimizing energy waste.
Types of Hot Water Heater Timers
Mechanical Dial Timer
A mechanical dial timer is one of the most common types of hot water heater timers. It consists of a simple dial that you can manually rotate to set the desired on and off times for your hot water heater. This type of timer is typically easy to use and can be found in many older homes.
However, it does have some limitations. For example, it may not offer as much flexibility in scheduling as other types of timers, and it may not be as precise in controlling the on and off times.
Digital Timer
A digital timer is a more advanced option for controlling the on and off times of your hot water heater. It typically features a digital display and buttons that allow you to program specific times for the heater to turn on and off.
Digital timers often offer more flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to set different on and off times for different days of the week. They also tend to be more accurate in controlling the timing of your hot water heater, ensuring that you always have hot water when you need it.
Heat Pump Timer
A heat pump timer is a specialized type of timer designed specifically for heat pump water heaters. These timers work by delaying the start of the heat pump’s operation until the most cost-effective times of day, such as during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
By using a heat pump timer, you can save energy and reduce your utility bills. These timers are typically programmable and offer various settings to suit your specific needs. It’s important to note that not all hot water heaters are compatible with heat pump timers, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications before installing one.
Reasons to Bypass the Timer
Unexpected Guests
One of the main reasons to bypass a hot water heater timer is when you have unexpected guests staying over. Imagine having friends or family visiting and realizing that there is a limited amount of hot water available due to the timer. This can be quite inconvenient and uncomfortable for your guests.
By bypassing the timer, you can ensure that everyone has access to continuous hot water and enjoy their stay without any hassle.
Working on Plumbing
Another reason to bypass the hot water heater timer is when you are working on your plumbing system. If you need to shut off the water supply temporarily or make any repairs or installations, it can be frustrating to have the timer interrupting the hot water supply.
By bypassing the timer during this period, you can have uninterrupted access to hot water and complete your plumbing tasks efficiently.
Tankless Demand Issues
For those who have a tankless water heater, bypassing the timer can be beneficial when experiencing demand issues. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand, but if the timer is restricting the flow of hot water, it may not be able to keep up with the demand.
By bypassing the timer, you can ensure that your tankless water heater is supplying hot water as needed, especially during peak usage times.
Remember: Bypassing the hot water heater timer should be done with caution and only when necessary. It is important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional advice to ensure that you are not causing any damage to your hot water system.
Overriding Popular Brand Timers
Rheem/Ruud Mechanical Dial
If you own a Rheem or Ruud hot water heater with a mechanical dial timer, you may want to override it to ensure continuous hot water. Thankfully, this can be done quite easily. First, locate the timer on the unit. It is usually located near the bottom and has a dial with different time settings.
For detailed instructions and visuals, you can visit Rheem’s official website at www.rheem.com. To override the timer, simply turn the dial to the “ON” position. This will bypass the timer and allow the hot water heater to operate continuously.
It’s important to note that overriding the timer may cause your energy bills to increase as the heater will be running constantly.
Bradford White Digital
If you have a Bradford White hot water heater with a digital timer, overriding it is a bit more involved. The first step is to locate the control panel of the heater. It is usually located on the front or side of the unit.
Once you have accessed the control panel, you will need to navigate through the menu options to find the timer settings. For a step-by-step guide and more information, you can visit Bradford White’s official website at www.bradfordwhite.com.
Once you have found the timer settings, you can disable or override it according to the instructions provided. Keep in mind that overriding the timer may void any warranties or guarantees associated with the heater.
Rheem/Ruud Heat Pump
If you own a Rheem or Ruud heat pump hot water heater, overriding the timer can be a bit more complex. Heat pump water heaters are designed to be energy-efficient and may have more advanced controls. The bypassing process may vary depending on the specific model and its settings.
It is recommended to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer directly for specific instructions on how to override the timer on your Rheem or Ruud heat pump hot water heater. You can find contact information and support on Rheem’s official website at www.rheem.com.
Setting the Timer Back to Normal
When it comes to bypassing a hot water heater timer for continuous hot water, it’s important to understand how to set the timer back to its normal functioning. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Locate the timer panel
The first step is to locate the timer panel on your hot water heater. This panel is usually found on the front or side of the unit. It may be covered by a small door or plate that can be easily removed.
2. Turn off the power
Before making any adjustments to the timer, it’s crucial to turn off the power to the hot water heater. This can be done by flipping the corresponding circuit breaker in your electrical panel or by shutting off the gas supply if you have a gas water heater.
3. Access the timer settings
Once the power is off, you can access the timer settings. Depending on the model of your hot water heater, the timer may have a digital display or manual dials. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how to adjust the timer.
4. Reset the timer
To set the timer back to its normal functioning, you will need to reset it to the desired time. This could be the original setting or a new schedule that suits your needs. Use the buttons or dials on the timer panel to make the necessary adjustments.
5. Restore power
Once you have reset the timer, it’s time to restore power to the hot water heater. Flip the circuit breaker back on or relight the pilot light if you have a gas water heater. Give the unit a few minutes to heat up, and you should now have continuous hot water again.
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hot water heater model to ensure you are following the correct steps for setting the timer back to normal.
Energy Saving Tips
Only Bypass When Necessary
If you want to ensure continuous hot water without relying on a hot water heater timer, it’s important to only bypass the timer when necessary. Bypassing the timer permanently can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
However, there may be times when you need hot water outside of the timer’s programmed schedule. In such cases, you can manually bypass the timer to get hot water on demand. Just remember to turn the timer back on once you’re done to conserve energy.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes can help minimize heat loss, ensuring that the hot water remains hot until it reaches the desired tap. By insulating the pipes, you can reduce the amount of energy required to maintain hot water temperatures, ultimately saving you money.
Insulation sleeves or foam pipe wrap can be easily installed on your pipes, and this simple step can make a significant impact on your energy consumption.
Lower the Temperature
Many hot water heaters are set to a higher temperature than necessary. By lowering the temperature, you can save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. The recommended temperature for most households is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
Lowering the temperature not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of your water heater by reducing wear and tear on its components.
Upgrade Your Water Heater
If you find yourself frequently bypassing the hot water heater timer or experiencing issues with the availability of hot water, it may be time to consider upgrading your water heater. Newer models are more energy-efficient, providing a continuous supply of hot water without the need for bypassing timers.
Tankless water heaters, for example, heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and reducing energy consumption.
When upgrading your water heater, consider the size of your household and your water usage patterns. Consulting with a professional plumber can help you determine the most suitable and energy-efficient water heater for your needs.
For more energy-saving tips and information on hot water heaters, you can visit websites such as energy.gov or energystar.gov.
Conclusion
Having the ability to override your hot water heater timer gives you control over your hot water access whenever the need arises. Just follow the steps for your particular timer model to turn continuous operation on or off.
With a few handy energy-saving tips, you can still conserve energy and enjoy hot water on demand.
