The thermostat controls on your water heater help you maintain the consistency of the water temperature. Most experts recommend setting the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal because it is not enough to pose a serious scalding hazard but it is hot enough to ensure the prevention of harmful bacteria growth. The emergency cut off (ECO) will kick in to shut down the appliance completely when the water in your water heater tank overheats due to several issues. Generally, the red reset button on the ECO, is attached to the upper thermostat, and to reset the water heater, you will need to press it. However, when the ECO is repeatedly tripped by the water heater, a plumber is required for assistance. More often than not, the problem is usually caused by a failed component, which is causing the water in the tank to get dangerously hot. When the components fail, the part needs to be identified and replaced by a pro.
Why Does My Hot Water Heater Keep Tripping Breaker
Below, we at Orsack Plumbing have included a few common culprits to the water heater continually tripping the reset button.
1) Water heater has a worn heating element. The heating element will eventually fail over time. Typically, the heating element will stop heating altogether; however, it will occasionally develop an electrical short, which causes the heating element to receive power even after the thermostat shuts it down.
2) Poor wiring. It is conceivable that that a loose wiring connection could be making another source of heat inside your water heater, particularly if the thermostats, heating elements, and ECO are all operating efficiently. Not only will the ECO to trip repeatedly, but it presents a serious problem as it has the potential risk of electrical shock and even igniting a fire. A trained service professional can run diagnostics to determine if your water heater is suffering from wiring problems and make the necessary repairs.
3) The water heater’s thermostat is faulty. The water heater has two thermostats, one located at the bottom of the tank and the other is at the top; one or both thermostats could be experiencing technical difficulty. Both thermostats are responsible for control the heating element and the temperature of the water. It’s the job of the thermostat to shut the heating element off once the water reaches the set temperature. If one or both thermostats are inoperable, the heating element will run continuously, thus overheating the water in the tank.
4) The water heater’s ECO is ineffective. Another part that is susceptible to failure is the emergency cut off, or ECO. Many reasons could cause the ECO to fail, including spontaneous breakdown, regular wear and tear from repeated overheating, and other similar causes. The ECO switch can be replaced by a professional easy enough.
Plumbing Inspections, Repairs & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
If you are experiencing problems with your water heating continually tripping the reset switch, call in the experts of Orsack Plumbing and let our specialists evaluate and find the problem as well as present optimal solutions for repairs.
