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WM Ultra Plus 60 Thermostat Well Condensation

Nate42
Nate42 Member Posts: 3
in Domestic Hot Water

Hi all,

I have a WM Ultra 155 S3 mated to a Ultra Plus 60 S3 water heater. Both are 14 years old now. Yesterday I noticed that the temperature of my DHW increased significantly for no apparent reason. I measured the temp at my kitchen sink and it was 182*! No one touched the temp control knob on the tank. I turned it down (knowing this didn't fix the problem, but seeing if it made any difference), but same problem remained. I lifted the cover and the "tray" had water in it with condensation on the underside of the cover and the thermostat.

I'm assuming that the thermostat is fried from the water and needs replaced, but my bigger question is why is there water and condensation in there? Is it safe to assume that the drywell tube is cracked and is allowing steam to vent up through it, thus needing replaced? Also, before I replace the drywell tube, are there other possibilities as to where the steam could be coming from? Is it worth replacing the thermostat and drywell myself at a cost of $650+, or should I be considering a new unit installed by professionals (not really in the financial position at the moment, but curious as to what is the better route)? I cant see much of the internals as the plastic cover encapsulates everything.

Side note, but equally as important - neither unit has been serviced in several years. The automatic air vent on top of the tank is heavily corroded and needs replaced as well.

Thank you in advance,

Nate

Comments

  • Nate42
    Nate42 Member Posts: 3

    More info - I forgot to mention that I pulled the thermostat bulb up and there was a little bit of water on it, but it appeared to be more from the condensation possibly dripping down than from standing water in the drywell tube.

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,066

    It's not condensation. The well has failed

  • Nate42
    Nate42 Member Posts: 3

    Pedmec - I don't disagree, but if it has failed why isn't the thermostat bulb submersed in water?

    I replaced the thermostat yesterday and got the temps back to where they should be. I also don't see water building up on the cover anymore.

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