There is nothing more frustrating than when the reset button on your electric water heater keeps popping. It inevitably results in constantly having to reset it. This is less than convenient for those who appreciate a functional water heater. The most common cause of the problem is that the water in the heater is getting too hot. The reset button on a water heater is an important safety feature.
If the water in the tank gets hotter than 180 degrees…
the reset button will trip. This safety feature serves the purpose of preventing you from being severely burned when you turn on the hot water. Now that you know the reason that the button is tripping, you need to figure out why the water is getting so hot. You can do some water heater troubleshooting to understand while you wait for your water heater repair service in Allentown PA. In this article, we will discuss the common issues that cause a water heating system to trip its reset button.
Thermostat Issues
The most common reason that the water in the tank is getting too hot is that there is an issue with the water heater’s thermostat. Electric water heaters have two thermostats, one on the upper heating element and one on the lower one.
The job of the thermostat is to…
control the heat in the elements. When the water in the tank starts to cool down, the thermostat will kick on to heat up the water. When the water in the tank has reached the proper temperature, the thermostat will shut the heating element off. If the thermostat is faulty, it can get stuck in the “on” position. This will cause the water to constantly heat up, causing it to get too hot. Consequently, it trips the switch. If the problem lies with the thermostat, you need to call a plumber to find the problem with the thermostat so that they can make the necessary plumbing repairs.
Other Problems That Can Cause the Reset Button To Trip
When the thermostat in the unit is functioning properly, there are a few other reasons that could cause the reset button to trip.
- A Short in the Heating Element: When the thermostat is functioning properly, the problem could lie with the heating element. If the element is faulty, it could continue heating the water after it reaches the maximum temperature. When the temperature goes above the maximum temperature, the switch will trip.
- Loose Wiring: If there is a loose wire within the unit, it will generate additional heat. This could heat the water to the point that the safety high-limit switch will trip. Loose wiring is very dangerous, therefore, you should contact a plumbing expert as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.
- Bad High-Limit Switch: In some cases, it could be the switch itself that is faulty. If the switch isn’t functioning properly, it will trip at times that it doesn’t need to.
Water Heater Repair Allentown PA
Typical homeowners are not qualified to inspect the unit to diagnose the problem. It takes the knowledge and experience of a licensed plumber to figure out where the problem lies and to repair it.
Water heater issues are not a DIY project.
Not only is it be dangerous, it can also void the warranty on your unit if you try to make the repairs yourself. Also, many worry about water heater repair cost and neglect the issue until it escalates into a bigger and more costly one. This is dangerous if the issue is caused by a loose wire. Anytime you suspect that there is a problem with your water heater, you should address it immediately and leave the job to a professional hot water heater repairman.
When looking for hot water heater repair near me, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers can diagnose the issues with your water heater and fix them quickly and affordably. We are a family owned business that prioritizes their customers so you can count on us to deliver friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable service. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!