Why Your Water Heater Keeps Tripping: Here’s The Shocking Truth!

If your hot water heater keeps tripping, it can be a major inconvenience. You may find yourself without hot water for showers, baths, and dishes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons why hot water heaters trip and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

Common Reasons Why Hot Water Heaters Trip

1. Overheating: One of the most common reasons for a hot water heater to trip is overheating. This can occur due to a faulty thermostat, a buildup of sediment in the tank, or a problem with the heating element.
2. Faulty Thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause the water heater to overheat, tripping the circuit breaker.
3. Sediment Buildup: Over time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the hot water tank. This can insulate the heating element, causing it to overheat and trip the breaker.
4. Heating Element Failure: The heating element is responsible for heating the water in the tank. If the heating element fails, it can cause the water heater to trip.
5. Electrical Problems: Electrical problems, such as loose wiring or a faulty circuit breaker, can also cause a hot water heater to trip.
6. Water Leakage: If there is a water leak in the hot water heater, it can cause the electrical components to short out, tripping the circuit breaker.
7. Incorrect Circuit Breaker Size: If the circuit breaker that powers the hot water heater is too small, it can trip prematurely when the water heater draws a high amount of current.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Check the Circuit Breaker: The first step in troubleshooting is to check the circuit breaker that powers the hot water heater. If the breaker is tripped, reset it and see if the water heater starts working again.

2. Check the Thermostat: If the circuit breaker is not tripped, the next step is to check the thermostat. Turn the thermostat down to a lower setting and wait a few minutes to see if the water heater stops tripping.

3. Flush the Water Heater: Flushing the water heater can help remove sediment buildup. To flush the water heater, connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and open the valve. Run the water until it runs clear.

4. Check the Heating Element: If flushing the water heater does not resolve the issue, you may need to check the heating element. To do this, turn off the power to the water heater and remove the heating element cover. Inspect the heating element for any damage or corrosion. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

5. Call a Licensed Electrician: If you are not comfortable troubleshooting the hot water heater yourself, call a licensed electrician. An electrician can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Conclusion: Troubleshooting Your Tripping Hot Water Heater

If your hot water heater keeps tripping, it is important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can identify the cause of the problem and take steps to resolve it. If you are not comfortable troubleshooting the water heater yourself, do not hesitate to call a licensed electrician for assistance.

FAQ

1. Why does my hot water heater keep tripping the circuit breaker?
A hot water heater can trip the circuit breaker due to overheating, a faulty thermostat, sediment buildup, a heating element failure, electrical problems, water leakage, or an incorrect circuit breaker size.

2. How do I reset my hot water heater?
To reset your hot water heater, turn off the power to the water heater and wait a few minutes. Then, turn the power back on and reset the circuit breaker.

3. How often should I flush my hot water heater?
It is recommended to flush your hot water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup.