PlumbingEasy DIYAny time of year
Set water heater to 120°F
Lower temps cut standby losses and prevent scalding — without losing hot water.
How often
Once a year
Time needed
10 min
Typical cost
Free
Helps avoid
~$130
How to do it
We've put together a search for current, well-rated walkthrough videos for this exact job.
Watch how-to videosCommon questions
How often should you set water heater to 120°f?
Once a year. Any time of year.
How much does it cost to set water heater to 120°f?
Nothing but your time — this task doesn't require buying anything.
How long does it take?
About 10 min.
Can I set water heater to 120°f myself?
Yes — this is a straightforward job for most homeowners with basic tools.
Which of these does your home actually need?
Answer a few questions about your home and HomeGuard builds your personalized maintenance schedule — the right tasks, at the right time of year, for your appliances and climate.
Build my free scheduleMore plumbing maintenance
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Inspect anode rod
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Insulate water heater & hot pipes
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Locate & test main water shutoff
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Check under-sink plumbing for leaks
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