so the control on the bathroom wall heater is apparently stripped...

[Grasswire2]

....it just goes round and round and nothing happens.. It has been difficult for a while getting it to turn the heater off, and this is likely the culmination of that problem.

What would I have to do to replace that knob and have the heater working again? What if I take it off and it is not the knob stripped, but the metal part worn down that extends into the knob when it's in place?

The knob is plastic, by the way.

Any ideas appreciated! I currently have the breaker switch off.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Oh, dear.

I cannot begin to offer any suggestions. When such things happen to me I contact local professionals. I sincerely hope someone here can be much more helpful.

[AJT]

2. Go to your local Ace Hardware, they usually have at least one person who really knows their stuff.

[Grasswire2]

3. yes, good point

They are helpful.

[Sherman A1]

5. Yup

Either Ace or True Value are the go to places. Alternatively take a look for the model number online. You may very well be able to find a repair video or a parts list.

[TreasonousBastard]

4. If you are lucky, this is a very simple fix...

But, not having seen the controls or the heater, I can't guarantee that.

First, see if you can pull off the knob and see if the plastic ribbing inside is stripped. If it is and you can still turn the metal stub by hand, and it works, just get to a hardware store and buy a new knob.

If, however, that metal stub slips around not doing anything, or is stuck, you probably have to replace the whole assembly. Or more.

Usually, there are relays and resistors built into these things, and some even have proprietary chips and software. (I once tried to fix a vacuum cleaner that had a "digital control module" instead of a simple on/off switch. Yikes!)

At this point, you might want to get in touch with the manufacturer for help. And you might end up calling an electrician or recommended repair guy to do the job. And don't be surprised if just installing a new one makes more sense than fixing the old one. A new one might be similar labor cost, and have a warranty and be more electrically efficient than the old one.

As long as the breaker is off, you won't get electrocuted playing around with the thing. But, any time you play with electricity you have the (admittedly small) chance of fire when you turn the breaker back on.

Good luck.

[Grasswire2]

8. thanks very much...

I will take off the cover and see if it's just the knob stripped or the stub is worn. The fact that we have been having trouble getting it to turn OFF means it's had some extraordinary stress on it, most likely.

All good suggestions, thanks.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

6. Should be a rheostat or infinity switch that the knob controls.

Most likely need to replace that. It usually requires some soldering, but you might luck out and it uses spade terminals, which is much easier.
Just like replacing a control on an oven or stovetop.

[Grasswire2]

7. soldering?

Oh lordy. Above my pay grade. Hahah.

Thanks for the reply. Appreciate the caution.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

9. Soldering is easy. You can find how-tos on YouTube. nt