Bradford White ships every residential water heater factory-set at 120°F (CPSC scald-safety standard). Most households should keep this default.
When to consider 130°F
- Older dishwashers requiring 130°F+ input water
- Legionella concern (vacation properties, immunocompromised members)
- Long pipe runs to remote fixtures
How to change — Bradford White gas tank (Defender / ICON / RG)
- Locate gas control valve at front-bottom
- Rotate dial — typically A/B/C or 1-9 markings
- Reference manual for dial-to-temp mapping (see manuals hub)
- Wait 60 minutes, test at faucet
How to change — Bradford White electric (M-I L6DS)
- Shut off power at breaker
- Remove upper and lower thermostat access panels
- Set BOTH thermostats to same temperature
- Restore power, wait 60-90 min
Bottom line
120°F default. Raise to 130°F only if specific reason. For broader maintenance see our maintenance hub.