Electric water heater tripping breaker? find out the root problem now!
What To Know
- This can occur due to a faulty heating element, a buildup of sediment in the tank, or a problem with the thermostat.
- If your water heater is overheating, you may notice that the water is hotter than usual or that the tank is making a boiling or hissing sound.
- If your electric water heater is tripping the breaker, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem.
If your electric water heater is tripping the breaker, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Overheating
Overheating is the most common cause of electric water heater tripping breaker. This can occur due to a faulty heating element, a buildup of sediment in the tank, or a problem with the thermostat. If your water heater is overheating, you may notice that the water is hotter than usual or that the tank is making a boiling or hissing sound.
2. Faulty Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for heating the water in your water heater. If the heating element is faulty, it can cause the water heater to overheat and trip the breaker. A faulty heating element may need to be replaced.
3. Sediment Buildup
Sediment can build up in the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This sediment can insulate the heating element and cause it to overheat. If you have hard water, you may need to flush your water heater tank periodically to remove sediment buildup.
4. Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in your water heater. If the thermostat is faulty, it may cause the water heater to overheat and trip the breaker. A faulty thermostat may need to be replaced.
5. Loose Wiring
Loose wiring can also cause your electric water heater to trip the breaker. Check the electrical connections to your water heater to make sure that they are tight and secure.
6. Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when electricity flows through an unintended path to the ground. This can cause the breaker to trip to protect you from electrical shock. If you suspect a ground fault, you should have it checked by a qualified electrician.
7. Oversized Breaker
In some cases, your electric water heater may be tripping the breaker because the breaker is oversized. A breaker that is too large will not trip quickly enough to prevent damage to your water heater. If you think your breaker may be oversized, you should have it replaced by a qualified electrician.
How to Fix an Electric Water Heater Tripping Breaker
If your electric water heater is tripping the breaker, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem:
1. Reset the breaker. The first step is to reset the breaker. This will cut off power to your water heater and allow it to cool down. Once the breaker has been reset, try turning on your water heater again.
2. Check for loose wiring. Loose wiring can cause your electric water heater to trip the breaker. Check the electrical connections to your water heater to make sure that they are tight and secure.
3. Flush the water heater tank. If you have hard water, sediment can build up in the bottom of your water heater tank. This sediment can insulate the heating element and cause it to overheat. Flushing your water heater tank periodically can help to remove sediment buildup.
4. Replace the heating element. If the heating element is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This is a job that is best left to a qualified electrician.
5. Replace the thermostat. If the thermostat is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This is a job that is also best left to a qualified electrician.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have tried the above steps and you are still having problems with your electric water heater tripping the breaker, you should call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and repair your water heater so that it is working properly again.
How to Prevent Your Electric Water Heater from Tripping Breaker
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your electric water heater from tripping the breaker:
1. Set the temperature to a lower setting. The higher the temperature setting, the more likely your water heater is to overheat and trip the breaker.
2. Flush your water heater tank regularly. Flushing your water heater tank periodically can help to remove sediment buildup and prevent the heating element from overheating.
3. Have your water heater serviced regularly. A qualified plumber can inspect your water heater and make sure that it is working properly.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Why does my electric water heater keep tripping the breaker?
There are a number of reasons why your electric water heater may keep tripping the breaker. Some of the most common causes include overheating, a faulty heating element, sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, a ground fault, and an oversized breaker.
What should I do if my electric water heater keeps tripping the breaker?
If your electric water heater keeps tripping the breaker, you should try the following steps:
1. Reset the breaker.
2. Check for loose wiring.
3. Flush the water heater tank.
4. Replace the heating element.
5. Replace the thermostat.
If you have tried the above steps and you are still having problems, you should call a plumber.
How can I prevent my electric water heater from tripping the breaker?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your electric water heater from tripping the breaker:
1. Set the temperature to a lower setting.
2. Flush your water heater tank regularly.
3. Have your water heater serviced regularly.
