If your electric water heater trips frequently, you won’t have hot water for household tasks, such as washing and bathing. As such, you’ll want to get to the source of the problem as soon as possible. In many cases, the water in your tank is too hot, which activates the reset button to prevent you from burning yourself. Professional plumbers offer the following reasons as to why your water heater may exceed safe temperatures. 

3 Reasons Why Your Water Heater May Trip

1. Faulty Thermostat

If the water in your tank is actually at a safe temperature (around 120 degrees Fahrenheit), your thermostat is likely to blame for frequent trips. Simply replace the thermostat or have a plumber recalibrate it to avoid interruptions in the flow of hot water to your fixtures. 

2. Heating Element & Wiring Issues

Shorts in the heating element will cause it to continuously heat your water, which results in excessive temperatures that trip the reset button. Hire a plumber to inspect the heating element and replace it, if necessary. Have them take a look at the wiring and perform repairs if it shows signs of loosening due to disturbances, improper installation, or old age.

3. Broken Limit Switch

Your water heater’s limit switch is responsible for resetting the tank when it reaches unsafe temperatures. If your limit switch is on the fritz, it may erroneously trip your water heater, even when there is no burn risk. Allow a plumber to replace the switch in order to restore proper function to the system.

Keep your home plumbing system clean and serviceable with help from the team at King's Plumbing. Since 2001, these plumbers have provided West Chester, OH with installations and repairs on water heaters, water lines, sump pumps, and pipes, along with sewer and drain cleaning services. Call (513) 683-9935 for 24-hour emergency services or to schedule a same-day appointment. Visit them online to learn more about water heater replacements, bathroom remodeling, and other services.