Thermal regulators can be hard to come by. They don't make those available for direct purchase. You'd have to harvest one from another unit, and I wouldn't suggest anyone that isn't DCA certified try to install one as they must be installed with live power in order to sync up the couplers. That's not the kind of voltage you want to be messing around with. I say try the kitty litter trick. I've been in this business for 12 years and I've found that the simplest solution is often the best way to go. Either that or bring in a professional.