You step into a hot shower first thing in the morning. It’s not long before you realize the water isn’t as hot as you’re used to. Not only that, but it is also getting cooler faster than normal. A quick trip to the water heater after your shower reveals that the unit needs to be reset.
Occasionally having to reset a water heater is not a big deal. But if resets are frequent, there could be something going on. It is best to have a licensed plumber stop by to take a look. Even small water heater problems can become significant issues if they are ignored.
Resetting the Safety Switch
Resetting a water heater involves removing the front panel and pushing a safety switch. Also known as the emergency cut-off (ECO) switch, it is a safety feature built into modern electric water heaters. The switch instantly cuts power to the unit if water temperature gets excessively high. Tripping at about 180°F is normal.
Water heaters have these safety switches to prevent overheating and the damage that could result from it. Sometimes, a switch being tripped is just a freak occurrence. But other times, it is a sign of an underlying problem.
Things That Trip the Switch
The experts at Utah’s Superior Water & Air say that a long list of things can trip a water heater’s safety switch. Some of the possibilities represent minor repairs. Others point to major problems. Here are some of the more common causes:
- Thermostat Malfunction – A malfunctioning thermostat will not properly regulate water temperature. This could mean that water gets too hot on a regular basis.
- Heating Element Malfunction – Inside every water heater is a heating element. If a heating element burns out or short circuits, it could continue drawing power. That would definitely trip the safety switch.
- A Malfunctioning Button – Sometimes, frequent switch trips are the result of a malfunctioning reset button. The button just gets old and worn out, making it extra sensitive to water temperature.
- Sediment Buildup – Over many years of service, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water tank. Sediment buildup can lead to heating element overheating and safety switch tripping.
- Excess Water Pressure – Believe it or not, high water pressure can put stress on a heater to the point of triggering the safety switch.
The most serious among all water heater problems are electrical issues. Everything from loose wiring to system overload can trip a water heater’s safety switch. Electrical problems are especially serious because they can lead to a fire. An electrical problem is something that you should not ignore.
What Homeowners Can Do
A tripped safety switch doesn’t immediately indicate the need to call a plumber. There are some things homeowners can do before making that determination. The first is to check for obvious issues.
Turn off power to the unit, remove the front plate, and look inside with a flashlight. Look for loose wires or any type of visible damage. Push the reset button and pay attention to whether it feels loose.
If you’re looking at the very first reset, it might be an anomaly. Reset the safety switch and see what happens. If it is tripped again in a short time, and a casual inspection hasn’t revealed any obvious issues, it’s time to call a plumber.
A water heater’s safety switch tripping on occasion is no big deal. But if your water heater requires regular resets, the chances are pretty good that it also needs repair. Don’t ignore a water heater that needs to be reset a couple of times per week.
