A controller for operating a water heater includes an input device configured to input a temperature setpoint for the water heater and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to input at least one restricted setpoint above a predetermined maximum temperature. The processor is configured to detect that an unlock sequence has been input using at least the input device, and in response to the detection of the unlock sequence, permit the water heater to operate at the restricted setpoint above the predetermined maximum temperature when the restricted setpoint is selected using the input device within a predetermined length of time after the detection of the unlock sequence.