Why My Camplux Water Heater Too Hot [7 Reasons + Solutions]

Ahh! You went to wash the dishes and hot water came out of the faucets! You got confused and started wondering why is your Camplux water heater too hot. 

Well, your Camplux water heater is too hot because of the following reasons–

• Wrong control knob settings
• Partially opened shutoff valve
• Sediment buildup
• Faulty thermostat

Also, a defective temperature sensor, stuck pressure relief valve, & worn-out insulation can be responsible for this issue. 

So, what should you do? You should check all of the Camplux tankless water heater components carefully to find any defects.  

But the reasons for Camplux electric water heaters aren’t the same as the gas water heater. So, we’ll start by discussing why Camplux electric water heater overheats. 

Why Is My Camplux Water Heater Too Hot? [Electric Water Heater – Fixes]  

The reason your Camplux electric water heater is too hot is the wrong temperature setting. 

Usually, the temperature remains at the lowest setting when you purchase the water heater. If you fail to adjust the correct temperature setting, it might give third-degree burns. 

Especially, children and elderly people have a high risk of scalding at temperatures above 122℉ or 50℃. 

Now, before we move on to the solution, you should check out the temperature-burn relationship table below. This will give you an idea of how much time it takes to scald at different temperature settings.

Is it giving you goosebumps? Check out the solution below before any accidents happen.  

How To Fix:

Turning the temperature down will simply solve this issue. What you have to do is turn the control knob counterclockwise. With each turn, the temperature will decrease and the water will get cooler. 

You can keep 120℉ or 49℃ as the highest temperature. Again, make sure the water inlet temperature is between (32-118)℉ or (0-48)℃. Anything higher than this temperature will burn your skin.

In case the temperature doesn’t come down in an hour, you have a thermostat issue. You need to replace the thermostat immediately. 

If you’re curious to learn the process of thermostat replacement, keep reading. You’ll find it below in the Camplux Gas Water Heater Overheating section under “Defective Thermostat”. 

Why Is My Camplux Water Heater Overheating? [Gas Water Heater – Fixes]  

Now, the temperature setting is also a reason for the Camplux gas water heater to overheat. But there are other reasons too. 

Here is a table of the possible causes and solutions to the problem for your ease. 

So, now let’s dive deeper into the reasons and solutions and solve your issue!

Reason 1: Half-Opened Shutoff Valve

Again, when the water shutoff valve is not completely open, the Camplux tankless water heater starts producing excessive hot water. 

A shutoff valve helps the water heater to supply hot water to your home appliances. Now, if the shutoff valve in your Camplux tankless water heater isn’t fully opened, water can’t get out completely.

The water pressure will be low on the outside. On the other hand, the water will start pushing inside the tank. The temperature of the water inside will start rising. Eventually, you’ll have hot water issues.

Now, a half-opened shutoff valve can be the result of not opening it correctly. It can get stuck due to mineral buildup. So, you need to take the necessary actions to completely open it up.   

How To Fix:

To open the shutoff valve, you should take a cloth and put it over the valve. Place your hand on top of the cloth and slowly turn the valve handle. 

If the valve still doesn’t open, you have to use a pair of Channellock pliers. Turn the valve halfway in a clockwise direction. Then, set the pliers aside and use your hand to turn the valve in a counterclockwise direction. 

This will loosen the stuck part of the valve. Keep repeating the process until the shutoff valve fully opens. 

Now, if the problem still persists, you have to loosen the packing nut with the pliers. Keep a bucket under the valves while performing this operation. You might see some water coming out from the valve if the main supply is on.

You can also use penetrating oil on the packing nuts to make the process easier. Wait for a few hours and then start loosening the valve again. Hopefully, the shutoff valve will open fully.

Tip: Maintaining the shutoff valves regularly can prevent this issue. You should open and close the valves every once in a while to avoid mineral buildup.  

Reason 2: Sediment Buildup In The Tank

Another vital reason for Camplux tankless water heaters to get suddenly too hot is sediment buildup. When the water filter gets clogged by the minerals of hard water, it affects the heating elements. 

The calcium and magnesium of hard water are the culprits in this case. The heavy scale can make the water heater burn out. As a result, it becomes hard for the heating elements to work.

The water absorbs the heat caused by the sediments in the tank. So, it hampers the temperature of the water heater and makes it scalding hot.  

How To Fix:

To get rid of the sediment buildup, you must descale the heating element. Now, there are two ways you can do that – chemical descaling and manual descaling. 

But for both of the descaling processes, you have to take out the heating element first.

Here’s what you need to do for each descaling process. 

i) Chemical Descaling:

If you want to perform a chemical descaling process, you have to soak the heating element in a descaling solution. Using white vinegar is also fine in this case.

Then, rinse the heating element with a heavy flow of water. Make sure the heating element is completely cleaned. 

ii) Manual Descaling:

In the case of manual descaling, dry the element properly. After it’s fully dried, use a non-metallic brush to clean the residue on the heating element. Be careful not to damage the surface while cleaning.

So, after descaling, you have to place the heating element and gasket back in the water heater. 

Fill the water heater tank with water. Finally, plug in the chords and your water heater will start functioning. 

Reason 3: Defective Thermostat

Having a faulty thermostat can also increase the temperature of your water heater. A thermostat stops the water heater from overheating after reaching your preferred temperature.

There is an indicator red light in the water heater. When the water heater keeps heating, you’ll see a red light illuminating. It gets off when the water temperature reaches your temperature setting. 

And, if the thermostat becomes faulty, the water temperature will keep rising. 

How To Fix:

To solve this issue, first, you need to check if the thermostat is faulty. Simply, testing the two thermostats for continuity will help in this case. 

How To Test Defective Thermostats In Camplux Water Heater?

To test defective thermostats in the Camplux tankless water heater, you have to perform a simple test.

Here are the steps you need to follow correctly.

Step 1: First, turn the temperature knob counterclockwise. Set it at the lowest temperature. 

Step 2: Then, wait for at least 60 minutes. This will allow the water heater to cool down.

Step 3: Finally, check the water temperature if it’s still too hot than your desired temperature. 

Finally, if you notice the water temperature didn’t drop, you have to consider the thermostat faulty.

In this situation, you need to replace the water heater’s thermostat. 

How To Replace A Faulty Water Heater Thermostat?

So, here’s how you can replace the non-operational thermostat in your Camplux tankless water heater.

Step 1: First, you have to detach the water heater power cord from the electrical outlet.

Step 2: Then, carefully drain all the water from the water heater. 

Step 3: After that, take out the water heater from its place.

Step 4: You’ll notice 6 screws at the bottom panel of the water heater. Unscrew the panel and remove the cover.

Step 5:  Then, you have to remove the thermostat knob. Make sure to unscrew the 2 retaining screws after that. In case you need extra assistance, pry out the thermostat knob. 

Step 6: Then, remove the front panel.

Step 7: Next, take out the push-pull wire connectors from the terminals. Keep notes on which connector belongs to which terminal. 

Step 8: After that, detach the thermostat probe. You’ll find it connected to the well. 

Step 9: Then, take the new thermostat and reverse the process you’ve followed so far. Make sure to connect the wires in the correct order. 

Step 10: Finally, tighten the screws and you’re done installing the new thermostat.  

Hopefully, the water temperature issue will be solved. 

Reason 4: Temperature Sensor Failure

Sometimes when the temperature sensor fails, your Camplux tankless water heater can produce boiling hot water. 

Temperature sensors actually manipulate the gas valve by producing a small electricity flow. If the sensor is broken, it can’t regulate the gas control valve. So, the temperature rises past your desired temperature.   

Now, the reason for temperature sensor failure is mostly accumulated dust and debris. It can also happen if the sensor is bent, broken, or has loose wire connections. Again, internal malfunction can cause the temperature sensor to fail.

How To Fix:

So, as soon as you notice the temperature sensor isn’t working, you have to troubleshoot it. 

Turn off the gas control knob and power cycle the water heater. You have to leave it for at least 10 minutes. If the temperature doesn’t get back to normal, you have to check the gas valves and temperature sensor. 

Now, before you go out to test the sensor, you should rule out the other reasons. For example, check whether the sensors have dirt or dust accumulated on the burner assembly. If you notice any, clean the burner assembly thoroughly.

You should also check for any signs of sediment buildup in the water heater. If you see any, you should clean the tank too.  

Now, if the water temperature is still high, you should test the temperature sensor with a multimeter. Check the resistance of the sensor and look it up in the user manual. 

If you see a difference between your reading and the manufacturer’s requirement, you need to replace the Temperature sensor immediately.

How To Replace A Faulty Temperature Sensor In Camplux Tankless Water Heater?

Replacing a faulty temperature sensor means replacing the thermocouple where the sensor is located. Here’s how you can perform a replacement in your Camplux tankless water heater.

Step 1: First, disconnect all the gas connections to your water heater.

Step 2: Then, pull out the fasteners and screw to take out the burner assembly manifold cover.

Step 3: After that, slowly add pressure to the thermocouple bracket and twist it. If it’s hard to get out, you’ll have to cut out the thermocouple bracket.

Step 4: Next, take the new thermocouple and push it to the old thermocouple’s place. It should be threaded in the bracket.

Step 5: Finally, set all the connections and start your water heater.

This is how you can solve the temperature sensor failure issue. As a result, your water heater will keep the temperature of the water at your preferred level.  

Reason 5: Blocked Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve plays a vital role in maintaining the temperature of the water heater. If the pressure relief valve gets stuck, it won’t be able to release the pressure inside the system.

When water pressure increases, the temperature inside rises simultaneously. In the worst case, the water heater can blow up if the pressure relief valve doesn’t open at all. However, the explosion is a rare case. 

How To Fix:

To solve this issue, you have to maintain a routine flush in the water heater. 

Here’s how you should do it.

Step 1: First, lift the handle of the pressure relief in the valve of the water heater. You’ll find it situated in the hot outlet piping.

Step 2: Then, you have to release the handle.

Step 3: Next, activate a flush with several gallons of water. The water will get flushed through the discharge line to an open drain.

Step 4: Finally, wait for 60 minutes and check the temperature.

This is how you fix a blocked pressure relief valve problem and let the temperature get back to normal again.   

Make sure to perform this operation once a year even if the water heater doesn’t overheat. It’ll keep your Camplux tankless water heater functioning in the long term.  

Reason 6: Worn-Out Insulation

Sometimes the age of the water heater also matters in overheating issues. Usually, when you put your hand on the water heater, it won’t feel hot. 

But if you feel the temperature, this means the insulation has worn out. Apart from age, mice can bite the insulation around the water heaters. As a result, when you touch the heater, it feels hot. 

How To Fix:

What you can do here is change the insulation. Here’s how to wrap new insulation around your Camplux tankless water heater.

Step 1: First, purchase an insulating blanket the size of your water heater. Also, you need to collect gloves, a mask, electrical tape, scissors, and a marker.

Step 2: Then, turn off the water heater. 

Step 3: Now, wear gloves, and mask, and wrap the insulating blanket around the water heater. Use the electrical tape to temporarily attach the insulation.

Step 4: After that, take a marker and mark the spaces of the water heater you want to keep exposed. These areas can be a pressure relief valve, burner element, pipe, or any other component.

Step 5: Now, cut out the insulation on the marked areas and keep the components exposed. Secure the insulation tightly with electrical tape.

Step 6: Finally, turn on the water heater again and adjust the temperature setting. 

This is how you can install new insulation in your water heater. It’ll prevent your water heater from feeling hot from the outside.  

FAQs:  

Final Words:

Finally, by applying the solutions explained in this article, you can solve the Camplux water heater too-hot issue. 

Remember to have a regular check-up of your water heater every once in a while. Also, you should ensure that the valves, thermostat, thermocouple, and heating elements work properly.