5 Issues That Could Trip the Water Heater Reset Button
Does it feel like your electric tank water heater is playing tricks on you? One moment it’s working, then next, it’s turned off. And no matter how many times you reset the system, you keep ending up with less-than-hot water. It sounds like you may be dealing with a tripping reset button. In this article, we’ll help you figure out what’s causing this annoying issue.
What does the reset button of a water heater do?
The reset button goes by other names such as the energy cut-off (ECO) or high limit control. Often, it’s a red button typically located on the thermostat of an electric water heater. The button is part of a built-in safety device that cuts energy to the water heater if the internal water temperature gets dangerously high – above 150°F. When this happens, usually all you have to do is press the reset button, and if the water is cool enough, the water heater will turn back on.
In some cases, the water heater reset button will repeatedly trip. This is a warning sign of a larger issue such as a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, corroded parts, a grounding problem, or a malfunctioning high limit switch.
Common reasons why a water heater’s reset button trips
- Faulty thermostat – If the thermostat fails, a heating element can get stuck on, leading to extremely hot water. It’s also possible that the thermostat is still on but not reading the temperature accurately. Obviously, this can impact the water temperature. Replacing the thermostat should fix this issue.
- Loose wiring – The connections of wires can loosen up over time or due to improper installation. This can be a dangerous situation because the wires can burn, melt, or smoke – and the heat can trigger the reset device. You’ll need to repair or replace the wire to prevent this problem from recurring.
- Corrosion – If moisture leads to corrosion of internal parts, including the thermostat, it can affect the performance and safety of the water heater.
- Grounding issue – If the heating element is shorted to the ground, it can lead to high water temperatures and cause the reset button to trip. It’s best to have a professional fix the electrical situation.
- Faulty switch – Last, but not least, the high limit switch itself could be malfunctioning and causing the tripping issue.
Have a plumber fix your water heater
It can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing when the reset button keeps tripping on your water heater. As you learned today, there can be several explanations. The best solution is to bring in the experts at Waldman Plumbing. We can pinpoint the reason your unit is turning off and provide high-quality repair service to fix the problem. Schedule an appointment today at (781) 780-3184.