One of the most common issues with electric water heaters is overheating. When this happens, you get scalding hot water from your sinks and showers, which obviously is not good! It can also damage the water heater. If you have found yourself in this situation, you might be wondering what caused the overheating and what to do. The good news is that your Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing team has identified the three most common reasons why your electric water heater may overheat.
1. THE THERMOSTAT
First, let’s consider the thermostat. The thermostat of the water heater monitors the water temperature inside the tank. If the water temperature drops below a certain level, the thermostat activates the heating element to raise the water temperature again. So, if your water heater is overheating, it could be due to a thermostat that is set too high or not functioning properly. Therefore, the first thing to check when your water heater is overheating is the thermostat.
2. THE HEATING ELEMENT
Another possible reason for your electric water heater overheating is a damaged heating element. Over time, things tend to wear down, making them less efficient and effective, including heating elements. In many cases, a faulty heating element is to blame when a homeowner encounters an overheating water heater. If you suspect this might be the issue with your water heater, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
3. SEDIMENT BUILDUP
Sediment buildup in the tank can cause your water heater to overheat. Over time, sediments can insulate the heating elements, trapping heat and forcing the water heater to work harder. (This is why annual maintenance is so important!) To fix this issue, the tank needs to be flushed to remove the sediment buildup. Since this job involves working with water and electricity, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber for the job.
Hopefully, this has helped you narrow down the issue. Leaving an overheated water heater unattended can cause permanent damage to the unit, resulting in costly repairs or replacement. It’s important to address the overheating issue promptly before it becomes more problematic. If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater overheating, please contact us. We’re here to help you get back up and running quickly!
Call Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing today at (513) 204-9944, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
