All residential water heaters have built-in safety mechanisms to kill power to the unit if temperatures get too high. While these precautions keep your home safe, they can be an inconvenience, especially when the unit frequently trips the reset button, killing your hot water supply. At Sandollar Services in Port Aransas, TX, their experienced heating contractors want to help keep your system running. They explain the most common reasons why water heaters consistently trip the reset button.

3 Reasons Residential Water Heaters Trip the Reset Switch

1. Bad Thermostat

When the water in your tank reaches a high enough temperature, the thermostat sends a signal to the heating element to turn off. This keeps water from overheating and ensures that the water in the tank stays at the temperature you like. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it could cause the water to overheat, thus triggering the reset switch over and over again. Replacing the damaged thermostat should solve the problem.

2. Faulty Wiring

Believe it or not, even the simplest heating unit has a good amount of complex wiring that controls the heating element and supplies power to your system. If the wiring is faulty or loose, the flow of electricity may get interrupted frequently or come in high bursts that trip the reset switch on your system. Bad wiring is a true safety hazard and should be checked out immediately by a professional.

3. Damaged Heating Element

Over time, heating elements become less effective and often stop heating the water altogether. However, in some instances, the element can short out and continuously heat the water until it gets hot enough to flip the reset switch. If the problem is due to a damaged or aging heating element, switching it out with a new model should solve the problem.

If your home’s water heaters keep tripping the reset switch, don’t settle for a cold shower. Contact the team at Sandollar Services. Their experienced plumber will diagnose and repair the problem quickly so you can get back to enjoying a steady supply of hot water. Learn more about their services online and call (361) 749-4274 to schedule an appointment with a heating contractor.