The outer jacket of a GE water heater feels unusually hot to the touch.

Safety: Turn off power or gas if the jacket is too hot to touch comfortably.

Steps to investigate:

• Check thermostat settings: Ensure both thermostats are set to 120°F.
• Inspect insulation: Remove access panels and verify insulation is intact and fully covering the tank. Reposition or replace if missing.
• Check for leaks: Look for signs of steam or water leakage that could cause localized heating.
• Monitor: After corrections, restore power and monitor jacket temperature. If overheating persists, contact a technician.